My knees have been ailing me for quite a while and my doctor said it was patelo- femoral pain syndrome. She gave my some exercises to do but I wasn’t faithful about doing it and know I am running track and doing softball (I like to be catcher so it hurts more). Is there anything else – maybe exercises maybe physical therapy but not surgery ??? Thank <3
#1 by mistify on January 9, 2010 - 2:39 pm
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Usually the first thing that needs to be addressed is qudriceps strengthening…specifically the part of the quads called the VMO. An article in the December 2006 issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that the timing between the VMO and the vastus lateralis is dysfunctional. Strengthening directed towards the VMO lead to a correction of timing dysfunction and resulted in significantly less pain for most subjects. They also completed exercises to stretch hamstrings and the iliotibial band.
Women are more subject to PF pain due to the structure between the hip and the knee. Further problems with alignment of the foot can further propegate the problem. Therefore, corrective orthotics for the shoe are often indicated.
For more difficult problems, bracing may be an option such as the Q-lock by Bioskin which helps keep the patella in the troclear groove.
Physical therapy is usually inidicated so you can learn how to do the exercises appropriately and receive further assessment.
Surgery is a last resort and is frequently not successful because most fall back into the pattern of weak quadriceps.
#2 by Dan on January 9, 2010 - 9:12 pm
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Follow through with your exercises and get a referral to see a physical therapist (PT). Most importantly, follow through. You even admitted to not doing the exercises as instructed. How do you expect to improve if you do not follow the instructions and recommendations of those that are trying to help you???
#3 by alvaro on January 10, 2010 - 2:21 am
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Take a small dose of calcium and glucosamine/chondroitin daily. Workout your hamstrings(back of the thigh) by doing leg curls. Weak hamstrings will cause knee problems because the quadriceps(front of the thigh) is usually much stronger. The imbalance is what causes the pain.
#4 by imgma2 on January 10, 2010 - 5:56 am
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I always hate exercises, but they do the most benefit. Do you use the pads behind your knees when you catch? It really helped my nephew. An anti-inflammatory such as aspirin or Celebrex might help. But exercises are a must!