Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

 

With volleyball being a sport of quickness, cutting, explosiveness, and an emphasis on landing, it is crucial that the lower body be able to handle all the demands it takes. The ankles, knees, and hips take an extreme amount of pressure whether it is in a game or in practice. If an athlete’s body is not prepared for the physical stress it takes on, injuries are likely to occur. Once an injury happens, it starts off as an “acute injury” but once the injury lasts for more than a few weeks or even months, it becomes known as a “chronic injury.” The injury that is going to be focused on this week is a chronic injury known as chondromalacia.

Chondromalacia is known as “patellofemoral pain” since the pain is located around the distal end of the femur and patella region.1,2,3 As the patella moves up and down, various forces can cause irritation to the cartilage under the kneecap which is where the patellofemoral pain comes into play.2 This injury is seen more in women than men due to a difference in hip/knee angles known as the “Q-Angle”;this is the measurement of the angle between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon.2 A few other causes of this injury may be tightness of the iliotibial band known as the “IT-Band”, bursitis, or even overuse of the knee.1,3

Signs and symptoms that associate with this injury are pain in the front of the knee near or over the patella.1,3 The pain starts off as “achy” but then turns “sharp” when excessive squatting, stair-climbing, or kneeling is involved.1,3 Pain can also be noted towards the posterior or back part of knee as referred pain.1,3 This injury is indeed seen in volleyball players due to the amount of jumping, explosiveness, and hard landing that can be associated with this sport.1

Treatment options for chondromalacia focus around “RICE” which stands for “rest, ice compression, elevation” as well as a strengthening rehabilitation program and a doctor’s visit to rule out a more severe injury.1,2,3 Surgery is not always needed but it is crucial to see a doctor to get a better inside look of the knee to see what is going on.1 One article states that the rehab should be focused on “correcting any deficits in strength speed, agility and flexibility.”1

In conclusion, patellofemoral pain can turn into a nagging injury if not treated correctly or if it is not caught early enough to avoid turning into something worse. A solid rehabilitation program for the upper leg can make a world of difference to take the load off the patella and ease the pain.

References:

1.      Patellofemoral pain syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://espn.go.com/trainingroom/s/1999/0901/13988.html

2.      Cluett, J. (2014, December 16). Chondromalacia: Signs and Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/patelladisorders/a/

3.      Chondromalacia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://www.checkorphan.org/diseases/chondromalacia