This information may be useful for those who have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome. People who are experiencing new or ongoing symptoms should contact their healthcare professional.
Read about advice on dealing with a knee problem
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition that causes pain behind or around the kneecap.
It’s a leading cause of chronic knee pain, which 1 in 3 adults may experience at some point in their life.
These can vary from person to person.
People may experience some or all of these symptoms including:
The causes can vary between individuals, but it’s often as a result of altered loading of the patella (kneecap).
The main contributing factors can be:
Other factors could be:
The strongest evidence suggests that strengthening any weak or underactive muscles and stretching any short or tight muscles is very important.
An important step in your recovery is identifying which activities are causing or increasing your pain. Modifying those activities can help to reduce symptoms, however, it’s important to make sure you remain active.
Modifying your activities may include:
Read more about exercises for patellofemoral pain syndrome
Read more about how to stay active
Pain medication – this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
A knee problem can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on the nature of your condition and your role at work.
You do not need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as is possible for you, will help your recovery. Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help to build up your strength and stamina levels.
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
If your patellofemoral pain syndrome hasn’t improved within 6 weeks, or it’s got worse, after following this advice, talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Read about how to access MSK services
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery.
Source: MSK Expert Panel - Opens in new browser window
Last updated:
17 June 2023