Information
Patellofemoral pain is usually felt around the front of the knee around the patella although at times it can spread to the sides.
Patellofemoral pain in teenagers is usually caused following a recent growth spurt, increase in load or activity, putting on weight or due to muscle imbalances with flexibility or strength.
The most common symptoms of patellofemoral pain are:
- Knee pain either during or after sports or activity
- Swelling/tenderness around lower part of the patella
- Reduced knee strength
- Lower limb muscle tightness
Symptoms can be unilateral or bilateral
Please give out patient information leaflet
Activity modification – not complete rest, reduce activity, especially those that aggravate pain but continue with activities that do not aggravate pain.
Re-assure that pain does not always = damage.
Stretching – hamstrings, quads, glutes and calves
Ice and simple analgesia
Refer to physiotherapy if above measures have been tried and symptoms not settling.
