Front knee pain due to excessive pressure behind the kneecap

Anterior knee pain is often caused by excessive pressure behind the kneecap due to a too tight kneecap due to shortening of the ligaments.

Synonyms

Medical: Femoropatellar Pain Syndrome (FPSS)

Diagnosis

During the manual examination, the inward mobility of the patella and the liftability of the outer patella rim forward are checked. The length of the outer ligament connection is checked by the “Ober`s Test. The test procedure is performed on both knee joints in a side comparison. Upper`s Test: The test is performed in the lateral position at the rear edge of the bench to test the expandability of the upper leg (in hip extension and 90° knee flexion). If it is not possible to spread the upper leg, the iliotibial ligament (long connective tissue band that extends from the hip to the shin on the outside of the thigh) is shortened.

Physiotherapeutic treatment: soft tissue techniques

The longitudinal massages of the long ligament connection between the hip and knee joint and the short ligament connection on the outer side of the patella loosen and relax these ligaments. The same effect is achieved by fascial techniques (form of connective tissue treatment). These are taught to the patient during physiotherapeutic treatment for regular self-treatment.

In the physiotherapeutic treatment, the patient is taught stretching exercises for the ITB, which, in combination with the fascial techniques, should be performed regularly at home. In combination with the soft tissue techniques, the physiotherapist mobilizes the patella inwards. Effect:Due to the loosening of the connective tissue structures, the kneecap moves more centered in its sliding bearing on the thigh bone, the pressure load on the cartilage decreases and the knee pain subsides. Pain can also often be relieved by applying a non-elastic tape to the kneecap or, if necessary, wearing a knee joint bandage.

  • Longitudinal massage (longitudinal massage) of the iliotibial ligament and retinaculum lateral (ligament connection on the outer side of the patella)
  • Fascial techniques:
  • Elongation:
  • Mobilization of the patella inwards
  • Tape