Runners Knee, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, is a commonly experienced not only by runners but also by cyclists, jumpers, skiers, and soccer players. Some of the causes of this injury include cartilage damage from overuse, misalignment, chronic knee cap dislocation among many others. Symptoms to watch out for are weakness of the knees, swelling, pain under and around the knee cap, and pain when walking, kneeling, or squatting.

How is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome treated? Most of the time, orthopedic surgeons do not perform any form of surgery on patients suffering from this. Rest, restructuring of activities, physical therapy, the use of braces or shoe inserts for support, and medicine are usually recommended. However, if needed, surgeons may have to resort to surgery.

One surgery that orthopedic surgeons do is the lateral release of the knee. In this procedure, the surgeon cuts out tight tissue on the lateral side of the knee cap to allow the patella to slide towards the center of the femoral groove. During this procedure, surgeons can also repair torn cartilage, which may cause problems in the future. As tissues heal, the quadricep muscle can work in a more balanced way. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, the healing process is shorter for patients. Physical therapy will also be prescribed to aid in the healing process.

For more information on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrom and treatments, visit your local orthopedic doctor.