Peer Reviewed Patient Education

How is patellofemoral pain syndrome treated?

Non-Operative Treatment

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can usually be effectively treated with a non-operative treatment program. It can take the knee six weeks or more to show improvement once treatment begins; this is often the same length of time the pain has been present. The following options are typically used in a conservative treatment program:

Activity modification: physical activities should by decreased by 30% and should be limited to those with no impact, such as swimming or bicycling. Uphill walking or treadmill at a 7% grade is also a good choice. Exercises that cause pain should be avoided.
Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen is recommended
Icing
Specific exercises to strengthen and rebalance the muscles about the knee.
A knee sleeve, splint, or taping that will support the joint during healing. (Special sleeves can keep the patella tracking properly during motion.)
Special footwear or orthotics can support the arch and absorb impact.

Six weeks after treatment begins the patient will usually return for a follow-up appointment. At this time the doctor will evaluate the success of the program. If the symptoms have not improved, surgery may be recommended.

Operative Treatment

If surgery is recommended, a second opinion from another orthopaedic surgeon can help the patient make an informed decision. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort, when conservative treatment has failed to alleviate symptoms.

A diagnostic arthroscopy allows the doctor to examine and treat the inside of the joint. In this procedure, instruments are inserted through small incisions in the knee. Rough or frayed spots in the cartilage that covers the bone can be smoothed, plica can be trimmed, and the patella can be realigned if necessary.

What types of complications may occur?

The most common complications from surgery are persistent swelling, loss of muscle tone, and scar tissue formation.

At Seaport we believe in meeting patients' individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment, designed to help achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Seaport physicians take the time to know you and work with you from your initial symptoms or injury, through every aspect of your recovery. Our goal at Seaport is to enable our patients to get back to a full active lifestyle as quickly and safely possible.

Our group is comprised of various physicians whose specialties include orthopaedic surgery, treatment of the hand, knee, spine, hip, foot and ankle, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management.