Experience lasting relief from Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), commonly known as “runner’s knee,” at Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa. Our dedicated team is focused on providing personalized care plans to alleviate your pain, improve knee function, and help you resume your desired level of activity without discomfort.

Understanding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a common knee condition that causes discomfort and pain around the kneecap (patella). It typically affects individuals who engage in activities requiring significant knee bending, such as running, squatting, and jumping, but it can impact people of all backgrounds.

Symptoms Indicative of PFPS

The symptoms of PFPS can vary but commonly include:

Pain in the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap, particularly when sitting with bent knees, squatting, jumping, or using stairs.
A feeling of grinding or popping when extending or bending the knee.
Occasional swelling around the kneecap that can worsen the discomfort.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early intervention, which can significantly enhance outcomes and prevent the progression of more severe knee problems.

Factors Contributing to PFPS Development

Several factors play a role in the onset of PFPS, including:

Muscular Imbalances or Weakness: Differences in strength among the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles can result in incorrect patella tracking on the femur.
Overuse: Repetitive stress on the knee joint from high-impact activities can strain the patella and surrounding tissues.
Biomechanical Problems: Poor alignment of the legs and feet can increase pressure on the knee joint, contributing to PFPS.
Injury or Trauma: Direct knee impact can trigger PFPS symptoms, especially if the surrounding knee muscles are weak.

Specialized Physiotherapy for Runner’s Knee Treatment

At Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation, we begin with a comprehensive assessment of your knee to confirm PFPS and identify any contributing factors. This thorough evaluation may involve a physical examination and a detailed history of your symptoms and activity levels.

Customized Treatment Plans

Based on our assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on:

Relieving Immediate Pain: Strategies may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain.
Addressing Muscular Imbalances: A key aspect of PFPS treatment involves specific exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, enhancing knee stability and function.
Enhancing Flexibility: Prescribed stretching exercises aim to increase the flexibility of the knee muscles, reducing tension and patella pressure.
Improving Biomechanics: Guidance on suitable footwear to correct any biomechanical issues contributing to PFPS.

Continuous Support and Education

Our dedication to your recovery goes beyond in-clinic treatment. We offer ongoing support, including home exercise programs and advice on lifestyle modifications, to help you manage your symptoms effectively and prevent recurrence.

Our Diverse Services

Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation provides a wide range of services to support your overall well-being and recovery journey. From injury prevention to performance enhancement, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs and goals.

Choose Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation for Comprehensive Care

Opt for Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation to receive care from a team dedicated to your health and recovery. Our therapists utilize the latest evidence-based techniques in our advanced facility to not only treat PFPS but also improve your overall knee health and function.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

If you’re struggling with patellofemoral pain syndrome in Ottawa, contact Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation. Let us help you through a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, allowing you to resume your favorite activities pain-free.

Other Knee Conditions We Address

Quadriceps Tendinitis Treatment
Pes Anserinus Tendinitis/Bursitis Treatment
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment
Baker’s Cyst Treatment
Prepatellar Bursitis Treatment (Housemaid’s Knee)

Patellar Tendinitis Treatment (Jumper’s Knee)
Meniscus Tears Treatment
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment (IT Band Syndrome)
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment (Runner’s Knee)

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment (Runner’s Knee) Ottawa FAQs

Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatable?

While there isn’t a universal “cure” for patellofemoral pain syndrome, most individuals can experience significant symptom relief and return to their preferred activities with an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment typically focuses on reducing immediate pain and swelling, followed by exercises to strengthen and balance the knee muscles. This approach helps alleviate patellar pressure, preventing future pain episodes. With dedication to a personalized physiotherapy regimen, most individuals notice substantial improvements in their symptoms and overall knee function.

What Are the Most Effective Exercises for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

The most beneficial exercises for managing patellofemoral pain syndrome are those that strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors, and gluteal muscles without stressing the knee joint further. Examples include straight-leg raises, clamshells, and seated leg presses, which target the muscles supporting the knee. Incorporating flexibility and balance exercises, such as stretching and proprioceptive exercises, is also advantageous. A physiotherapist will design an exercise program tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring you engage in activities that support recovery without worsening your condition.

How Can I Prevent the Recurrence of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Preventing the recurrence of patellofemoral pain syndrome involves maintaining a healthy balance of strength, flexibility, and stability in the knee muscles. Regularly performing exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and core, along with lower body flexibility exercises, can be helpful. It’s crucial to focus on proper form during physical activities, avoid excessive high-impact exercises that overload the knee, and wear suitable footwear. Regular assessments with a physiotherapist can help identify any imbalances early on and adjust your exercise routine to keep your knees in good health.

How Long Does It Take to Resume Regular Sports or Activities?

The timeline for returning to sports or regular activities after receiving treatment for runner’s knee varies widely depending on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Typically, a gradual return to activity is recommended, starting with low-impact exercises and gradually increasing intensity under the guidance of a physiotherapist. It’s essential not to rush this process, as returning to full activity too soon can increase the risk of re-injury. Most individuals start to notice improvements within a few weeks of consistent treatment, but complete recovery may take several months.

Can Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Impact Both Knees?

Yes, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome can affect both knees, although symptoms may be more pronounced in one knee than the other. This bilateral involvement is common in individuals whose activities or biomechanical issues place similar stress on both knees. Treatment and rehabilitation strategies should consider the condition of both knees, even if one appears less affected, to ensure balanced strength and mobility and prevent the less affected knee from deteriorating due to compensatory movements.

Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation
1535 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z1, Canada
(613) 728-9414

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed