Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Featuring Dr. Larissa Roux, MD, MPH, PhD, CCFP, Dip Sport Med

Duration: 1 minute, 38 seconds.

PFPS stands for patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Essentially, that's a fancy way to say anterior knee pain or pain that is a result of issues in and around the knee cap or patella. In cycling, the repetitive flexion and extension of the knee while riding can contribute to this problem.

In cyclists typically this pain is felt directly under the knee cap, like dead center, and cyclists tend to experience it following a long ride rather than during the ride.

In terms of treatment, rest, ice, compression and refraining from cycling while it hurts is probably the number one thing that you can do. However, seeking the advice of your sports medicine physician or primary care physician is important to return you back to cycling pain free.

There are knee braces to stabilize the patella that are particularly helpful with this problem. In some instances your physician or physiotherapist might notice that you are pronating. In these cases a pair of semi-rigid orthotics may be very useful, and consulting your local podiatrist could be helpful.

Being properly positioned on your bike is also very important. If you have any further questions about patellofemoral pain syndrome, or PFPS, please don't hesitate to contact your local general practitioner or primary care sports medicine physician.

Presenter: Dr. Larissa Roux, Sports Medicine Physician, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Sports Medicine Physician