Common knee concerns we treat
- Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
- Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Sports injuries — acute or overuse
- Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
- Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve
Knee · Conditions A–Z
Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee) front-of-knee pain
Patellofemoral pain syndrome — runner's knee — is pain at the front of the knee caused by how the kneecap tracks over the thighbone during movement. Same-day or next-week evaluations across eight LA-area offices.
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Surgical and non-surgical options at LAOSS.
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What sets LAOSS apart
- Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices
- On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
- Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
- Board-certified specialists, not generalists
Key takeaways
- Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee) is one of many knee conditions our specialists evaluate every day.
- Most patients improve with conservative care: image-guided injections, bracing, and PT with your in-network provider.
- When a procedure is the right call, we explain every option, recovery timeline, and return-to-activity milestone.
- On-site imaging at most offices and same-day appointments across eight Los Angeles–area locations.
Overview
What is patellofemoral pain (runner's knee)?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome — runner's knee — is pain at the front of the knee caused by how the kneecap tracks over the thighbone during movement. Symptoms can develop gradually or after a specific injury, so early evaluation matters when function starts to decline.
Most patients with patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) improve with conservative care — targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections, bracing or supportive footwear when relevant, and activity modification. When conservative care isn't enough or imaging shows structural injury that won't heal on its own, our specialists offer the next-step procedures discussed below.
Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, the symptoms and causes we most often see, how we diagnose patellofemoral pain (runner's knee), and the full range of treatment options — from the simplest to the most involved.
Patient education
Watch: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This is a pain you feel in the front of your knee. It involves the patella. That's the bone we commonly call the "kneecap." The patella slides up and down in a groove on your femur as you bend and extend your knee. If you have this syndrome, you may have injured the soft tissues that support and cushion your kneecap. Or, you may have some damage to the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap.
Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomy of the knee — femur, tibia, patella, meniscus, and the ACL/PCL ligaments.
Anatomy
Inside the knee.
The knee is the body's largest hinge joint — it bears your weight, absorbs impact, and lets you walk, run, and pivot. Cartilage and meniscus cushion the joint, while ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) keep it stable. Most knee problems come from wear of those cushioning surfaces or from twisting injuries that damage a ligament or meniscus.
Self-orient
When patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) shows up.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Dull, aching pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain that worsens going down stairs or hills
- Pain after long periods of sitting ("theater sign")
- Occasional grinding or popping sensation
Causes
Common causes
- Muscle imbalance between quads and hamstrings
- Overpronation or weak hip muscles
- Sudden increase in running mileage
- Direct trauma to the kneecap
Diagnostics
How we diagnose patellofemoral pain (runner's knee)
You want answers, fast — and we're built to give them. Most patients leave their first LAOSS visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan, not another referral chain.
Here's what your initial visit for patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) typically looks like:
- Detailed history — when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you've already tried
- Focused exam of the knee — range of motion, stability, strength, specific provocation tests
- On-site imaging at most offices: X-ray for bone, ultrasound or MRI when soft-tissue detail is needed
- A written plan with options ranging from conservative care to surgical procedures, in plain English
Schedule your evaluation with a trusted Greater Los Angeles orthopedic expert today.
Treatment options
How we treat patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) at LAOSS
Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, the next step is matching the right treatment to your situation. We start with the least-invasive option that fits — and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Conservative care first
Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.
- Physical therapy & focused strengthening
- Bracing & activity modification
- Image-guided steroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections
- PRP & regenerative injections
Surgical care
When neededSurgical options when needed
Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.
- Knee arthroscopy
- Meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy
- ACL / PCL ligament reconstruction
- Cartilage restoration (MACI, OATS)
- Partial or total knee replacement
Surgeon expertise
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Knee care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our knee specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Candidacy
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a knee specialist is the next step.
You may be
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a knee specialist.
- Pain or stiffness in the knee that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history — onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Recovery
Your knee recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
01Days 0–14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the knee, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
02Weeks 2–8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the knee.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
03Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific
Knee-specific considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the knee. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Your care team
Meet our knee doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area
At LAOSS, our knee specialists combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Los Angeles, our team is dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love.
About this care
Reliable Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee) pain relief starts here
Don't let patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) be something you just power through. At LAOSS, expert care is close to home. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Our team offers comprehensive treatment from diagnosis through recovery. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, you'll receive coordinated, personalized care every step of the way.
Call or schedule online today to begin your recovery with a trusted knee specialist in Los Angeles. Relief, confidence, and renewed strength are within reach.
Patient reviews
What patients say about us.
★★★★★4.97,500+ Google reviews
Dr. Longacre is fantastic. Did my knee scope, recovery was way smoother than I expected. Even his follow-up visits are thorough.
Eduardo Vasquez
Montebello, CA · 20 December 2024
FAQ
Common patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) questions
- We start with a focused orthopedic exam and detailed history. X-rays are usually done in-office; MRI or ultrasound is ordered when soft-tissue detail is needed. Most patients leave the first visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan.
- Most patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) patients improve with conservative care — therapy, bracing, medication, and image-guided injections when appropriate. Surgery is reserved for cases where structural injury or persistent symptoms warrant it, and we explain every option before any decision.
- If knee pain lasts more than a few days, limits movement, or interferes with daily activities, it's time to see a doctor. Sudden injuries, swelling, or weakness should be evaluated right away.
- If you have a PPO plan, no referral is needed — book directly with any of our specialists. HMO plans require a referral from your PCP. If you are unsure, call us at (323) 264-7600 and our team will walk you through it.
Ready when you are
Don't wait on pain.
Book a visit with a knee specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles–area offices.
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