Patellofemoral pain syndrome – causes, symptoms and knee protection
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as anterior knee pain, is a common cause of pain behind or below the kneecap. The condition affects both athletes and exercisers and can make everyday activities like climbing stairs and kneeling painful.
What is PFSS?
PFSS occurs when the cartilage behind the kneecap is stressed in a way that causes friction against the thigh bone. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and sometimes clicking in the knee. Sometimes cartilage changes, called chondromalacia patella , also occur, which can range in severity from mild softening to extensive damage.
Common causes & risk factors
Repetitive loads during running, jumping or hill training can irritate the structures around the kneecap, especially if the technique is not optimal during strength training or weightlifting. Anatomical factors, such as a high or low kneecap or abnormal kneecap movement (tracking), can also contribute to the problem. Muscle imbalance in the front of the thigh (quadriceps), an increased Q-angle in the knee joint or overpronation of the foot – which affects the load pattern of the knee, are other factors that increase the risk of pain.
Symptoms
- Pain behind, below, or around the kneecap
- Stiffness and soreness with activity, especially on stairs or hills
- Popping or scraping noises from the kneecap
- Pain after sitting with a bent knee for a long time
- Worsened discomfort when squatting, jumping or carrying a heavier load
When should you seek medical attention?
If you experience persistent pain, difficulty putting weight on your knee, or suspect cartilage damage, you should contact your healthcare provider for further assessment.
Recommended protection & support
Knee braces for PFSS are designed to relieve the kneecap and reduce pressure on the femur. They often have a patella pad that can be adjusted for more or less support depending on need. For some, pronation support in soles is also valuable to correct the load from the foot up to the knee. The right knee pad can make a big difference in being able to continue training and being active despite PFSS. See all our knee and knee joint products here.
About our Injury Guide – quick guidance in case of complaints
In our Injury Guide, you will receive clear and easy-to-understand information about common injuries, how they occur and what symptoms usually occur. You will also receive recommendations on which protection and aids can relieve your discomfort and help you further in your rehabilitation. All information is based on expert knowledge from our licensed physiotherapist.
For more information about the knee, you can read more in the Injury Guide Knee , you can also go to the Injury Guide main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
Related injuries:
Find the right protection for your needs
There are several ways to find the right product on our website. For a more personalized selection, you can use our filters and sort by injury, body part or sport. You can also get help from our AI assistant Eir, who is trained on all the content on our website and can help you with product recommendations, fit questions and order-related concerns – 24/7. If you would rather speak directly to our licensed physiotherapist, Ida, you can reach her via email or phone for personal advice and support in your product selection.
