Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Methods - Knee Braces That Help

1.) What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

The knee is the largest and one of the most used joints in the human body. There are a number of things that can go wrong with the knees, but one of the more common knee injuries is called Patellofemoral Pain syndrome or PPS for short.

The exact causes of PPS are unknown, but it's thought that it has to do with the way the kneecap moves along the groove on the femur (called the trochlea). Pain caused by PPS usually originates in the front of the knee, and commonly occurs in people who are either overweight or are athletes. It also tends to strike teenagers.

2.) Symptoms of PPS include:

Pain usually occurs when the knee joint is being used. - Squatting, jumping or going down stairs are prime examples of when PPS pain may occur

A buckling at the knee. - The knee may refuse to support your weight causing it to buckle beneath you

A popping sound or grinding sensation may occur when you use your knees to do mundane every day things, such as walking

3.) Treatment Options

The best way to treat PPS is to stay away from activities that cause you pain. - Stay away from anything where you have to use a bent knee position, such as kneeling. Not avoiding these situations can make the symptoms worse.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen can be used to treat PPS as well. When symptoms are at their worst, resting the knee is a good idea. Providing your knee with as much rest as possible is one of the best ways to treat PPS. You should also consider losing weight if you're overweight. This will help lessen the amount of pressure that is exerted on your knee on a constant basis.

Ice

Applying ice to the knee will usually help bring any swelling down, bringing you relief from some of the symptoms of PPS.

4.) A Well Designed Knee Brace

Bracing the knee whenever possible, in order to provide the knee with more support and help prevent it from buckling is another great way to treat PPS. Bracing the knee helps stabilize the kneecap and helps prevent the symptoms from worsening.

If all else fails and your symptoms begin to worsen, surgery may be unavoidable. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you'd be wise to start bracing the knee as soon as possible. Rest your knee, and avoid doing activities that aggravate the knee joint. Losing weight and staying in shape is also a good idea.