Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or Runner's knee

@cldmeyers, I'm glad that you started this new discussion about patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Back in 2012, @jamessenior shared his story of recovery here:
- Knee Pain: Patellofemoral syndrome https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/knee-pain-patellofemoral-syndrome/

You might also be interested in this Video Q&A
- Video Q&A about Runners: Lower Extremity Injuries and How to Prevent Them: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/live-qa-runners-lower-extremity-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/

cldmeyers, did you get this injury as a result of being a runner? I'm confident that you still have the memory of how to stand, but it sounds like you might have lost the muscle to do so. How long are you able to stand using assistance? What PT are you doing at home?

I'm 86 and this started last fall (2019). I definitely had not been running. No impact exercise. Standing doesn't seem trouble. I'm doing a lot of exercises for my knees and squats, using my gluteus.

Hi @cldmeyers I am 26 and have been struggling with bilateral PFP for ~8 years. It travels in waves and has been quite debilitating. I’ve seen a surgeon and done ALL of the tricks for many years including 8 weeks of physical therapy which included stretching, strengthening and icing (nothing really new from what I was doing for years before based on all the online research, except the starching helped loosen things up for a tiny bit of relief). The therapy was focused on strengthening the hips and quads. I’ve tried TENS unit, heat, massage, supplements. I am a dietitian and have an extremely clean diet and always have. No nutrient deficiencies. No points of injury from the past. Never was an athlete or did much running. Of all the scientific studies, online articles, YouTube videos I’ve watched, books I’ve read and professionals I’ve talked to over the last 6 years here is the best I’ve found:

- The Complete Guide to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
An extremely detailed guide to rehab from patellofemoral pain syndrome (aka runner’s knee), with thorough reviews of every treatment option
Paul Ingraham • updated Nov 14, 2020 (painscience.com)

- A key scientific article from the guide above: Patellofemoral Pain: An Enigma Explained by Homeostasis and Common Sense by
William R. Post, MD, and Scott F. Dye, MD

These resources have helped me better understand what’s going on and help me to do better than before. I am still fairly limited, but I know how to not push too hard and how to recover when I do. It can be a very frustrating condition but with a good attitude all things can be endured. Best of luck to you!

Hello @gaguirre and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you have had PFP for 8 years now and have done a considerable amount to understand both your body and ways in which to support our PFP through things like your diet and physical therapy. Thank you for sharing your most trusted resources with other members.

Of all of the things you have done and tried, which do you feel has been most impactful?

I haave gone past my PFP with PT and chiropractic. Not sure which worked the best, but I highly recommend physical therapy with a knowledgeable therapist. I can now sit to stand with very little effort.

I might add that I saw a sports medicine orthopedic doctor who sent me to the therapist.