Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a dull, achy pain with minimal swelling around the patella (kneecap) due to malalignment of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shinbone), patella and/or feet. Individuals with genu varum (bowed legs), genu valgus (knocked knees), femoral anteversion (thigh bone turning in), tibial torsion (shinbone turning in or out), patella alta (high-riding knee cap), patella baja (low-riding knee cap), leg length discrepancies, muscle imbalances and/or soft tissue tightness are more prone to have patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Download Cook Children's guide to patellofemoral pain syndrome (who is at risk, symptoms and treatment options)