Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

Yet another condition I'm afflicted with is patellofemoral syndrome. This condition is common in runners, but may also affect people of size and those with flat feet. I fit both of the latter-I am overweight and extremely flat-footed. [For more information about another condition that is often seen in people with flat feet, you may want to visit the Plantar Fasciitis section of my site.]

Patellofemoral syndrome causes severe pain in the affected knee when going up and down stairs, often worse when going down. It can also hurt to get up and down out of chairs. It even hurt me to move my foot off the gas and onto the brake pedal in my truck.

The best treatment appears to be exercise, though I must admit I didn't do the exercises my physician gave me consistently enough to help. He finally ordered physical therapy, and that helped a lot. Losing weight has helped the most, though.

Patellofemoral Syndrome
Good site for general information aimed at physicians. Not very extensive.

Patello-Femoral Syndrome
Short article aimed at sports medicine practitioners.

Chondromalacia
Very good site-lots of information, including exercises that may help. The only problem with this site is that they consider chondromalacia and patellofemoral syndrome to be the same thing-they are generally recognized to be separate conditions. This doesn't negate the great information to be found here, though.

Preventing Overuse Injuries from Running / AAFP Patient Information Handout
Good site for stretches and exercises for the knee.

Knee Pain-Patellofemoral Joint
Great informational site that isn't geared as much as the others are toward sports medicine. Great graphic explanations of what causes the pain in the affected knee.

Healthline Magazine: Knee Pain is often Misdiagnosed
Excellent article on this condition.

Physical Therapy Corner: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Terrific site with good diagrams of recommended exercises.

My Joints
Great interactive site for folks with joint problems.