About Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Key Highlights
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Non-surgical, conservative management is the primary and most effective treatment for most patients.Focuses on correcting the root cause of pain, such as muscle weakness or biomechanical issues.Highly customizable treatment plans including physical therapy, activity modification, and bracing.Minimally invasive options available for cases that do not respond to conservative care.Aims to restore full, pain-free function and prevent future recurrence of knee pain.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent anterior knee pain, especially around or behind the kneecap.
- Pain aggravated by activities like running, jumping, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting ("theater sign").
- Feelings of grinding, clicking, or instability in the knee.
- Failure to improve with rest and simple over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Diagnosis confirmed by an orthopedic specialist after ruling out other conditions like meniscal tears or arthritis.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive clinical examination by an orthopedic surgeon to confirm diagnosis.
- Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI may be ordered to assess knee structure and rule out other issues.
- Discussion of activity history, pain patterns, and treatment goals.
- For surgical candidates, standard pre-operative tests (blood work, ECG) and cessation of certain medications may be required.
- Arranging for physical therapy evaluation and scheduling initial sessions.
Risks & possible complications
- For Conservative Treatment: Minimal risks; may include temporary muscle soreness from new exercises.
- For Surgical Procedures (if needed): Standard surgical risks like infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury around the knee.
- Stiffness, persistent pain, or incomplete relief of symptoms.
- Complications from anesthesia.
- Risk of recurrence if rehabilitation guidelines are not followed.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial phase focuses on pain management with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
- Strict adherence to a prescribed physical therapy regimen is critical for strengthening and retraining muscles.
- Gradual return to activities as guided by the orthopedic specialist and physical therapist.
- Use of supportive braces or kinesiology tape during the recovery period may be recommended.
- Long-term maintenance through continued strength exercises and activity modification to prevent recurrence.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) to 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering patellofemoral pain syndrome in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for patellofemoral pain syndrome in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform patellofemoral pain syndrome. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for patellofemoral pain syndrome compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Olivia Khan, a 28-year-old high school...
Olivia Khan, a 28-year-old high school biology teacher and avid runner, began experiencing a dull, aching pain behind her kneecap during her daily 5-mile runs. Over three months, the pain worsened, becoming sharp and catching when she climbed stairs or sat for long periods in class. She had to stop running entirely, which devastated her as it was her primary stress relief. An orthopedic specialist diagnosed Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), likely from overuse and slight muscle imbalances. The doctor recommended a comprehensive conservative treatment plan, not surgery. This included 8 weeks of physical therapy focused on strengthening her glutes, quads, and core, a temporary switch to low-impact cross-training like swimming, and custom orthotics. Olivia was initially frustrated and anxious, feeling like her identity as a runner was slipping away. The physical therapy was challenging and progress felt slow. However, by diligently following her program, she gradually regained strength and stability. After three months, she was able to slowly reintroduce running with a revised gait and stronger supportive muscles. While she now caps her mileage and prioritizes strength work, she is back to running pain-free. The journey transformed her from feeling broken and frustrated to feeling empowered and more knowledgeable about her body's mechanics.
Orthopedists for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform patellofemoral pain syndrome and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore