Patellofemoral Pain Case Study
Managing Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
In this video, a 15-year-old soccer player with patellofemoral pain syndrome is presented. The video discusses the diagnosis and management of the condition.
Background Information on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome is discussed.
- Knee valgus is not the definite cause of all knee complaints and probably cannot even be avoided.
- Lack of dorsiflexion can transfer more loads into the knee during daily activities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Ankle sprain on the same leg last year that was pretty tough when you check his dorsiflexion you notice a range of motion restriction that might transfer more loads into the knee during daily activities.
- Dynamic valgus results in a smaller surface area for the loads to pass through the patellofemoral joint making it more load per square inch in the lateral part of the patella.
- Altering movement when going up and down stairs can reduce patellofemoral load by modifying some movements.
- Exercises are suggested to address lack of dorsiflexion that might reduce or spread some of the loads on the knee.
- McConnell taping technique can be used for short-term pain relief but should not be relied upon forever.
- Load management strategy works by dropping running on days off from soccer or at least half distance.
- Strengthening quads progressively is important for rehabilitating patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Resistance Exercise
- Resistance exercise is suggested to condition the leg.
- Shallow squats are tried first, and weight and depth are gradually increased.
Conclusion
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition to manage, not necessarily to solve.
- Tools for modifying symptoms are provided, but if complaints persist, a visit can be planned again.