Patellofemoral syndrome causes pain in the knee. It is a common problem of young adults, especially female adolescents. It is sometimes called chondromalacia.

The long bone of the upper leg is called the femur. The femur has a groove where the kneecap (patella) moves. The kneecap has to move freely up and down when we bend or straighten our knee. If there has been an injury or overuse of the knee, the tracking structures within the knee can wear off. Over time the undersurface of the kneecap becomes worn out and inflamed.

Do you have knee pain that gets worse when you kneel or walk up and down stairs? Do your knees ache if you sit in one position too long, like at a movie, or on a plane? You may be developing patellofemoral syndrome.

The best treatment is to rest the knee. Your healthcare provider may give you a brace or tape to wear. You may need special exercises to regain correct tracking. You should also:
* Avoid activities that require deep knee bends.
* Take anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin or ibuprofen.
* Use ice to help with pain and swelling.
* Strengthen the upper leg muscle (hamstrings and quadriceps) to support the knee.
* Wear shoes that support your arch.

All knee pain should be evaluated by a health care professional. Sometimes surgery is necessary to correct the underlying problem. Usually, rest and following a treatment program will stop the progression of patellofemoral pain and prevent future injury.

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