Definition :

The knee cap (or patella) is the small bone at the front of the knee. It articulates with the femur, the thigh bone. It allows the quadriceps, in front of the thigh muscle to extend more effectively. The syndrome occurs when there is misalignment of the patella on the femur. There is also anatomical predisposition that can affect this syndrome. Over time, the bad alignment of the joint leads to overuse or osteoarthritis here called chondromalacia.

Symptoms :

The pain is usually localized underneath the knee cap, but can also be around the knee, or on the side of the knee cap. The symptoms are often stronger going down the stairs, or running.

Causes :

The causes are many, a bad foot position, muscle tension, joint hyper mobility (too much flexibility thus lack of stabilization), muscle weakness of the quadriceps, etc…

Treatments :

• Plantar orthotic device to stabilize the lower limb and correct alignment
• Stretching exercise and strengthening the quadriceps
• Knee brace
• Physiotherapy