By Jack Cush, MD | 07 November 2018
New recommendations have been published in the Journal of Athletic Training on the management of patellofemoral pain (PFP).
Risk factors for PFP include excessive hip adduction and internal rotation during dynamic tasks (e.g., running, jumping), weak quadriceps, greater vertical peak force to the lateral heel and 2nd or 3rd MTPs during walking, identifiable with a patellar tendon tap and increased knee-abduction impulses during running and landing activities.
Non-surgical, comprehensive management is recommended for treatment. Treatment plans should include:
- hip and quadriceps strengthening exercises
- neuromuscular retraining
- ankle and foot exercise
- calf and hamstrings stretching
- hip movement retraining
- patient education (contributing factors, activity modification, and rehabilitation adherence)