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Treatment
How is patellofemoral pain syndrome treated?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome can be relieved by avoiding activities that make symptoms worse.
- Avoid sitting, squatting, or kneeling in the bent-knee position for long periods of time.
- Adjust a bicycle or exercise bike so that the resistance is not too great and the seat is at an appropriate height. The rider should be able to spin the pedals of an exercise bike without shifting weight from side to side. And the rider's legs should not be fully extended at the lowest part of the pedal stroke.
- Avoid bent-knee exercises, such as squats or deep knee bends.
Other methods to relieve pain include:
- Taking nonprescription anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to decrease swelling, stiffness, and pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Ice and rest. You can also try heat to see if it helps.
- Physical therapy exercises. Exercises may include stretching to increase flexibility and decrease tightness around the knee, and straight-leg raises and other exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscle.
- Taping or using a brace to stabilize the kneecap.
- Surgery.
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