Patello-femoral syndrome, also known as anterior knee pain, is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the front of the knee. When a doctor diagnoses you with patello-femoral syndrome, it means that the cartilage under your kneecap (patella) is not functioning properly, which can cause friction between the patella and the femur bone, leading to pain and discomfort.
Here are some things you can expect when you have patello-femoral syndrome:
| 1. | Pain and discomfort in the front of your knee, especially when bending your knee, going up or down stairs, or sitting for prolonged periods of time. |
| 2. | Swelling and tenderness around your kneecap. |
| 3. | A feeling of grinding or cracking when you move your knee. |
| 4. | Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve the alignment of your kneecap. |
| 5. | You may be advised to avoid activities that cause pain, such as running or jumping, and to engage in low-impact exercises such as cycling or swimming. |
| 6. | Your doctor may recommend pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication to relieve your symptoms. |
| 7. | In some cases, surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments are not effective. |
It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing patello-femoral syndrome and to communicate any changes in your symptoms or concerns you may have during the course of your treatment.