Patellofemoral pain syndrome is commonly called the runner's knee. But don't think that patellofemoral pain syndrome affects only the athletes! Even heavy workers who use their legs excessively are prone to this condition. No matter if the pain is for a short duration or long duration, you should always pay attention to knee pain. What is patellofemoral pain syndrome? This article will elaborate on everything you should know about this condition. Only then, you will understand how our Medica Stem Cells therapy helps to avoid surgery for runner's knee.
What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs in the front of the knee around the patellar bone (kneecap). This pain in knee joint aggravates due to movements like running, walking up, and sitting down or doing squats, which increase the strength of thigh muscles. Knee pain is associated with its position that results in increased or misdirected mechanical forces between the kneecap and femur bone (present in the thigh).
Causes
The common cause of runner's knee are:
Excess use: While running, playing sports like jumping, there is excess pressure on the knee which may cause patellofemoral pain syndrome. If the frequency of a load of work increases, it contributes more pain with continuous irritation.
Imbalance of muscles or weakness: Due to muscular weakness, the hip muscles and the knee muscles are not able to hold the patella in the proper position. This imbalance may occur due to squat exercise.
Injury or trauma: Any trauma to the patella may give rise to patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Surgery: During knee surgery like the anterior cruciate ligament repair where the patellar tendon is used as a graft, chances of patellofemoral pain syndrome are very high.
Risk factors for patellofemoral pain syndrome include the following:
Age: patellofemoral pain syndrome affects adolescents and young adults. In old age, the knee pain of patellofemoral pain syndrome arises due to arthritis.
Gender: Females are two times more prone to patellofemoral pain syndrome than males. In females, the pelvis is wider, and this increases the angle at which the bones in the knee joint meet. Hence, there can be more pressure on the kneecap in females.
Sports: Sports like running, jumping, or doing squats are more prone to patellofemoral pain syndrome, especially during a hectic training session.
Symptoms
The symptoms experienced by the affected individual are classical. The patient feels dull- aching pains at the front of the knee.
This dull pain usually aggravates by
Walking
Kneeling or doing squat
Sitting by bending the knee for more time
Flexion (an approximation of angle between the bones) at the knee joint for a long time.
Playing sports
Treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice therapy, Compression, and Elevation) and physical therapy like stretching and strengthening exercises will be the primary treatment modality. If there is no improvement, your physician may suggest NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroid injections. But they provide only short-term relief. Moreover, both these modalities have got several side effects.
If these modalities don't give any significant improvement, then your physician may recommend surgical methods such as arthroscopy, cartilage transplantation, patellar resurfacing realignment, or lateral facetectomy. But all these procedures have a prolonged rehabilitation period accompanied by postoperative complications.
Benefits of Regenerative Cellular Treatment
As you grow older, the natural ability of your body to recruit regenerative cells at the site of damage reduces. Here is where our regenerative cellular treatment acts as the best non-surgical minimally invasive alternative for surgery. Regenerative cellular treatment includes Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and regenerative cell therapy that provide quick recovery within a short duration. These therapies naturally repair the damaged area and regenerate newer tissues at the injured site. As the regenerative cells and the platelets are extracted from your own body, there is no risk of rejection or allergy. Patients will notice significant changes within two weeks. With the help of regenerative cellular treatment, your knee can get back its mobility. Therefore, regenerative cell therapy can be the best alternative to surgery.
For more information about the regenerative cell therapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome and to have a deeper knowledge of the patellofemoral pain syndrome treatment offered by Medica Stem Cells, you can contact at our clinics in Ireland, London and Dubai.
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