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Patello-Femoral Syndrome (PFS)

Patello-femoral syndrome (PFS) is an irritation under the knee cap caused by increased compression. It can cause pain around or under the kneecap, sometimes extending to the back of the knee. PFS is often due to tight or weak hip/knee muscles, flat feet, knee collapse, repetitive activities, improper squatting/jumping, or poor footwear support. Treatment includes rest, ice, stretching tight muscles, strengthening exercises, and supportive footwear.

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mark abrahams
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75 views

Patello-Femoral Syndrome (PFS)

Patello-femoral syndrome (PFS) is an irritation under the knee cap caused by increased compression. It can cause pain around or under the kneecap, sometimes extending to the back of the knee. PFS is often due to tight or weak hip/knee muscles, flat feet, knee collapse, repetitive activities, improper squatting/jumping, or poor footwear support. Treatment includes rest, ice, stretching tight muscles, strengthening exercises, and supportive footwear.

Uploaded by

mark abrahams
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Patello-femoral syndrome

Patello-Femoral Syndrome (PFS) is an Modify your activities:


irritation under the knee cap (Patella) and the  Limit repetitive or excessive amounts of
surrounding tissues due to increased compression. activities that increase pain.
There can be pain around or under the kneecap  Compressive activities like squatting, stairs,
and sometimes in the back of the knee. Painful running, and jumping put the most pressure on
activities may include: your knees.
 Replace these activities with less compressive
• Running or Jumping activities such as biking, swimming, water
• Walking when it is flared up aerobics and the elliptical trainer.
• Sitting  Use a pad under your knees when kneeling.
• Going up or down stairs  Change your leg position often when sitting.
• Squatting or kneeling  Take frequent breaks.
• Driving
• Walking on hills or ramps
Stretch tight muscles. The best time to
stretch is after you warm-up.
What contributes to PFS?
• Tight hip or knee muscles Quadriceps – Front of thigh stretch
• Weak hip or knee muscles
• Flat feet
• A knee that collapses inward while standing, Place your foot on a chair
walking or playing sports behind you. Gently
• Repetitive or excessive amounts of activity tighten your buttocks and
• Improper squatting mechanics feel the stretch on the
• Poor jumping mechanics front of the thigh. Hold
30-60 seconds, 3-4 times
per day.
What can you do?

Use an ice pack: Put an ice pack on your knee for IT band stretch
10-15 minutes, 3-4 times per day. Make sure you Stand with the leg you want to
ice after activity. stretch crossed behind the
other. Hold onto a wall or chair
on the side you want to stretch.
Wear supportive shoes: Good arch support and Lean your hips towards the chair
supportive shoes decrease pain with activities by or wall until you feel a stretch
on the side of your hip. Hold 30-
achieving good alignment. Avoid non-supportive
60 seconds, repeat 3-4 times per
shoes like, flip flops, sandals and high heels.
day.

Physical Therapy
012701-006 (REV. 7-11)
Strengthen muscles to improve alignment. Top leg lifts: Lie on your unaffected side with your top
leg straight. Bend your bottom leg to help keep you
balanced. Gently tighten your abdominals to protect
Quadriceps set: Place a small towel roll under your
your back. Slowly lift your top leg up towards the ceiling
knee. Straighten your knee by tightening your thigh
6-8 inches. Keep your knee pointing forward and your
muscles. Press the back of your knee into the towel and
ankle in line with your trunk. Do not roll your body or
hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10-20 times, 3-4 times
pelvis backwards. Repeat 20-30 times.
per day. This may also be done sitting.

Clam: Lie on your side with both knees bent and


Straight leg raising: Lie on your back with your positioned in front of you. Gently tighten your
affected leg straight and your other leg bent. Tighten abdominal muscles to protect your back. Slowly
your thigh muscles then lift your leg no higher than the raise your top knee up and outward like a clam
other knee. Keep your knee fully straight while you lift
opening while keeping your feet together. Keep
and lower your leg. Keep your thigh muscles tight while
you lower your leg. Repeat 10-20 times, 3-4 times per
your buttock muscles tight throughout the
day. exercise. Hold for 5 seconds then slowly lower your
knee back to the starting position. Do not roll your
body or pelvis backward. Repeat 20-30 times.

Bridging:
Lie on
your back
with knees
bent and
feet flat on
the floor.
Gently tighten your stomach and buttock muscles.
Lift your hips 3-5 inches from the floor without Wall squat: Stand with your
arching your back. Hold for 5-10 seconds, and then back to the wall and your feet
slowly lower your hips to the floor. Repeat 20-30 about 12 inches away.
times. Perform a small squat, making
sure your knees stay over your
Consult with your physical therapist or doctor if you experience an increase in ankles. Hold the position for
your symptoms with recommended exercises, or if you develop new
symptoms of numbness, tingling, or a spread of the pain. This information is 5-10 seconds. Return to
not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical standing and repeat 10-20
advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care
professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional times.
questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need
more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist.
Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned.
Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.

Physical Therapy
012701-006 (REV. 7-11) REVERSE

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