What Is the First Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes pain around or behind the kneecap, often during stairs, squats, running, or prolonged sitting. The first plan usually reduces the movements that flare symptoms while keeping the body active in ways the knee tolerates.

Exercise Therapy may strengthen the quadriceps, hip, and trunk muscles and improve control as the knee bends. A physiotherapist may also assess foot position, running form, and daily movement habits. Custom Orthotics, taping, or Gait Retraining can be considered when the assessment shows they may help.

Reduce painful depth, impact, or training volume for a short period, then build back gradually. Choose cycling, walking on level ground, or another comfortable activity if advised. Perform prescribed exercises consistently, but stop and seek guidance if an exercise produces sharp pain, swelling, or worsening symptoms that persist.

Comfort measures may help you participate in rehabilitation, but they do not replace the movement and strength plan. Progress is based on function, such as stairs and controlled squats, rather than on a single good or bad day.

Get prompt assessment after a twisting injury with locking, a large swelling, a new sense that the knee will give way, or inability to bear weight. Arrange review if pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by fever or marked redness.

Which activity should I modify first? Which muscles need attention? Would taping, orthotics, or gait retraining suit my movement pattern, and how should I judge progress?