Symptoms of Patellofemoral Joint Pain

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There are several symptoms that may be present if you are suffering from patellofemoral joint pain, no matter its main cause.

Those suffering from runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral joint pain, may present with a number of different symptoms. The specific symptoms are often dependent upon the type of condition one has, what it is caused by, and more. However, it’s fairly easy to identify the condition due to some tell tale signs that may be present.

First, it’s worth understanding that physicians usually make a distinction between two different causes. The first is known as chondromalacia patella. This is the more common and is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee, more specifically underneath the kneecap. The other is a kind of pain on the back of the kneecap which is known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both are closely linked, and in many cases they’re referred to as the same condition.

This type of pain occurs due to a thinning or softening of the cartilage that is located underneath the kneecap. As it degenerates, the femur and the kneecap may rub against one another and cause pain and inflammation. Left unmanaged, the condition can lead to serious issues ranging from bony tumors, fractures, and internal knee deformities.

Symptoms of patellofemoral joint pain vary some what but will usually include the following.

• Pain in the knee ranging from mild to severe.
• The pain usually gets worse with activity, especially things like sports, climbing stairs, or even walking normally.
• In most cases, pain intensifies after sitting for prolonged periods of time. This is usually referred to by medical professionals as ‘Theater Sign’ since it makes even watching a movie a difficult prospect.
• Pain is often worse descending stairs than it is ascending them.
• Swelling is often not a factor, which is markedly different from other joint related issues.

Each of these symptoms may point your physician towards a diagnosis of this condition. Those who suffer from it often find that their level of mobility is reduced and as a result it’s important to get help and overcome the problem as soon as possible. With the right therapy, this is actually a type of joint pain that is fairly easy to overcome. Things like physical therapy, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, NSAIDs, acupuncture, ice packs, and simple rest are all possibilities and each one may be worth exploring further until relief is found somewhere.