Patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS) refers to pain likely originating from the Patellofemoral joint or more simply the joint where the knee cap sits in the knee. There are many structures that sit around the knee cap and can be prone to becoming sensitive. These structures include:

  • the knee cap
  • fat pad
  • bursae - (fluid-filled sacs that help smooth movement between muscles, tendons and the knee joint)

PFPS can affect anyone and will usually be experienced in the front of the knee; beside, below or under the knee cap. The occurrence of PFPS is most commonly associated with:

  • adolescent females
  • being overweight
  • having poor knee strength
  • having poor general fitness
  • repetitive activities under high loads, i.e. sports involving jumping and landing

A sudden increase or change in physical activity levels and/or poor muscle control are thought to be the most contributing factors to this type of knee pain. Ultimately the joint is finding it difficult to cope with the demand and has become sensitive often presenting with pain. Alternatively, in some cases your muscles may not be controlling how the knee cap is sitting in its grove. This is usually due to weakness or tightness of the muscles that move and control the knee.

Despite pain often being the main symptom, it is unlikely that there is any structural damage occurring with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Pain is often experienced with simple day to day activities and will vary from individual to individual. Common activities that are associated with increasing demand in the Patellofemoral joint and therefore can lead to experiencing more pain include:

  • going up or down stairs
  • doing squatting movements
  • sitting with your knees bent for a long time, for instance in the cinema or on an aeroplane
  • repetitive activities such as jumping type sports which place high strain on the structures around the kneecap

Some individuals with PFPS notice crackling or crunching sounds in your knee when you bend or straighten the knee. It should be emphasised this not uncommon and rarely indicates anything harm full is occurring within the knee.