Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment Overview
Care Plan
First steps to consider
- Most mild to moderate patellofemoral pain can be treated at home
- Try resting your knee, icing, and taking ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce swelling and pain
When you may need a provider
- Pain does not go away after a few months.
- You want physical therapy to help strengthen muscles around the knee and reduce the strain on the joint
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Treat
When to see a healthcare provider
You should see a healthcare provider if your symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome do not go away after a few months of home treatments. You may need to see an orthopedist, who specializes in muscle, joint, and bone injuries. They can make sure you don’t have other conditions like patellar tendinitis or bursitis. They can also refer you to a physical therapist.
How to test for patellofemoral pain syndrome
You may need to have X-rays or an MRI if your doctor wants to make sure you don’t have other conditions that are causing the knee pain, like patellar tendinitis and bursitis.
What to expect from your doctor visit
- Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen muscles around the knee and reduce the strain on the joint.
- It can take a while to get better, but it almost never requires surgery.
- Some people find that acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain.
Types of patellofemoral pain syndrome providers
- An orthopedist specializes in muscle, joint, and bone injuries.
Home treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, which causes pain in the front of your knee, can often be treated at home with rest, ice, and OTC anti-inflammatory medications. You may also want to try an anti-inflammatory natural supplement.
After the initial pain goes away, it can be helpful to do strengthening exercises to prevent it from recurring. A physical therapist can help you create an exercise program.
You should start to feel better within a few months.
If pain does not go away after a few months, you may need to see an orthopedist, who specializes in muscle, joint, and bone injuries.
OTC treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Oral anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) reduce swelling and pain.
- Topical NSAIDs like diclofenac gel (Voltaren) are creams or gels that can be applied directly to your knee.
- Some people find that natural anti-inflammatory herbs help reduce symptoms. These include:
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green tea
- Turmeric
- Arnica
Tips for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome at home
- Rest your knee as much as possible for a few days..
- Keep your leg elevated when possible for several days.
- Try not to bend, squat, or sit for long periods of time until the pain is gone.
- Do not run, play sports, or do physical activities that make your knee hurt. It can make symptoms worse.
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain. Take NSAIDs continuously for several days until pain is gone.
- You can use an ace bandage or patella tape to help support your knee until you heal.
- See a physical therapist to help strengthen your muscles supporting your knee.
FAQ