Sports Medicine

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Eighty to 90 percent of people suffering from patellofemoral pain recover fully and are able to resume their previous activities. Most active people respond to non-surgical treatments. Surgery is prescribed only in rare cases when patellofemoral pain cannot be eased with braces, rest or physical therapy.

Depending on the amount of malalignment, you typically will be asked to try a well-supervised rehabilitation program for six weeks to six months. In most cases, you will need to continue the exercises you learn in physical therapy for life, which include specific movements for strengthening the knee, hamstring and calf muscles.

If your patellofemoral pain continues, surgery may be recommended, although this is relatively uncommon.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007