Patello femoral syndrome derives its name from the patella. Patella is more commonly known as the knee cap. In the Patello Femoral syndrome, the patient usually observes varying but intense degree of pain at the front of their knee. This is more commonly known as Runner’s knee. As the name suggests, it is extremely common in athletes. However, it can develop in those who stay far away from athletics as well. Here are some of the most common reasons behind the Paatello Femoral syndrome

1. Improper footwear – This is often the most overlooked yet the most common reason behind this. Since the knees have to bear the weight of most of the body, it is very obvious that when someone isn’t wearing proper footwear, they are less likely to have proper body posture. This is turn disrupts the alignment and prolonged disruption leads to severe pain.
2. Overuse – The second most common reason and the most common reason amongst athletes. When someone is involved in vigorous exercises and that too for a prolonged period of time, then it usually results in this. Also, sudden increase in exercises like squats etc can also result in this condition.
3. Misalignment – The more biological reason behind this is the misalignment of the patella. This happens usually because the patella gets pushed out of the trochlear groove when the knee is bent. This results in the misalignment of the knees, hips and ankles. Apart from this, it also causes muscular imbalance and weaknesses. Usually in the quadriceps in the thighs.

So these are the causes behind Patello Femoral syndrome. Now let us take a look at some of the ways to avoid landing in this mess. And yes, there are quite a few ways in case you had low hopes –

• Always wear proper shoes. This just cannot be stressed enough. Even in football, you have different types of blades on the soles of your shoes for different types of turfs. So if they can have that, why can’t you have proper shoes for each activity? Having them is way cheaper than having to pay for a kneecap replacement surgery later on

• Maintain your body fitness. If you go too obese, then there will be an added load on your knees. So, if you want your knees to be functioning properly all the time, make sure that there is no extra load on them. Stay fit.
• Don’t exercise like a maniac. Do it and it won’t come as a surprise to anybody when your knees decide to go. Make sure that you warm up properly before going for the heavy exercises. Make sure you don’t overdo them. Also, try and have a flexing and stretching routine in your work out. It will increase the longevity of your knees.

So these are some of the most common ways through which you can keep your knees from going broke on you. Because let us be honest, no one wants to end up on a wheelchair.