Patellofemoral Pain
The patellofemoral joint involves the front or anterior thigh muscles, the knee cap, and a small bony surface on the top of the leg bone (tibial tuberosity). The tendon of the anterior thigh muscles joins to the knee cap and the surface on the top of the leg bone, so when you straighten your leg, the front thigh muscles pull on the tibial tuberosity (leg bone) and move the knee cap along with the leg. Patellofemoral pain can occur when the knee cap is displaced (located abnormally).
The biomechanics of the foot are directly related to patellofemoral pain syndrome, and some symptoms are:
- Pain in the knee area worsened by going up or down stairs, or running uphill
- Pain in the knee area when running; 'runners knee'
You are more prone to developing this syndrome if you have flat or pronated feet, because this increases stress on the knees (the feet lack the ability to shock absorb in pronated feet, causing the knee to do all the work).
Your podiatrist can help manage this condition, by reducing the stresses placed upon the knees- by improving foot function with orthotics and prescribing strengthening exercises.