patella/femoral pain syndrome

[fanatghiro]

I have always been a person doing sports, running etc, but since last Genuary I stopped as I had exams. My left knee always hurted but never enough to make me stop. Recently while I was on holiday by the seaside, I wake up with my knee all swollen and inflamed. I rested then but as soon I walked a bit again it started to swell. So after the holyday I had an MRI scan and the orthopedics tell me that I have the patella/femoral syndrome and that i need to do exercises to make my quadriceps stronger or maybe surgery. The problem is now that I cannot do exercises as my knees get inflamed and if I don't do exercises it gets inflamed if I walk, so now I am at home resting but I do not know what it is right to do because as soon as I move it swells and then I can't walk at all. Also pain is starting in the right knee as i have the same thing, the knee cup is not in the correct place.
Could you please tell me how I am supposed to solve the problem as it is a vicious circle!

[achilles2]

I too have patella femoral pain. I had a lot of physical therapy and most of the exercises made the pain worse. I now get my best and longest relief from my chiropractor. (Yes he treats my knee) Do you have chiropractors in Italy if so, see if you can find one that can treat knees.

I hope this helps,
achilles2

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again!

Well, it probably means that the rest was not adequate. You may require a longer rest for a few weeks depending on the severity. You could use walking supports or knee brace for the time being. Also for starting exercises, it is better to consult a physiotherapist, to avoid movements that could worsen the condition.
Hope this is useful.

Take care!

[fanatghiro]

Yes i have tried to rest, but everytime I rest and I try a little tiny walk, they sell again!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

I would suggest resting the knee till the pain and swelling settle. Ice-packs and NSAIDS may also be helpful for relief. After that I would advice seeing a physiotherapist for exercises that would strengthen you hamstrings. You may also consult with your doctor if you would be required to wear a knee brace.
Hope this helps.

Take care!