What is Patellofemoral Joint Pain?

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Dealing with patellofemoral joint pain is important for many people, but understanding just what it is will be the first step towards relief.

As one of the most common problems confronting active people, patellofemoral joint pain, or ‘runner’s knee’ as it’s often called, is something that you may find yourself having to deal with at some point. It’s a painful issue that could even reduce your ability to enjoy life properly. But it’s also something that could be controllable and easier to manage than you may think. Understanding the condition is the first thing to do, and once you learn more about it you’ll be able to start working towards a solution.

This is called runner’s knee mainly due to the fact that it is usually triggered by repeated use and impact of the knee. In healthy knees, the knee cap contains a groove that allows the femur to slide up and down in as you bend your knee. However, when the kneecap doesn’t follow the smooth groove properly, pain can occur. The cartilage within the knee will be worn down by the incorrect tracking and will eventually lead to pain.

As the cartilage in the kneecap degenerates, the pain will increase. Localized pain occurs in varying degrees of severity. Unlike other joint issues, noticeable swelling is often not present in cases of patellofemoral joint pain although it usually occurs within the kneecap itself to trigger the pain. This pain is usually increased when one runs, walks, or climbs stairs as well as by sitting for extended periods of time. In serious cases it can make something as simple and enjoyable as sitting down for a movie become a test of endurance.

Managing this type of pain is often much easier than dealing with other types of joint pain. Things like specialized footwear, weight loss, mild physical therapy, and other low impact treatments can often help. Adding glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to your daily regimen has been linked with positive results as well for many people since it can help strengthen the cartilage and its ability to cushion your joints. Using it could help to reduce the overall levels of pain you may experience and help you return to your normal life.

Simply put, dealing with this type of pain can often be frustrating and unpleasant. But with the right steps you and your physician can often manage to reduce the pain and prevent it from overcoming your life.