Burnsville Runner’s Knee Treatment & Patellofemoral Resurfacing

Commonly referred to as ‘anterior knee pain’ and ‘runner’s knee’, patellofemoral pain is a musculoskeletal condition resulting in discomfort and instability between the kneecap and the thighbone. Patellofemoral pain commonly affects athletes that place a great amount of stress on the knees, such as runners, cyclists, skiers, and football players. Additionally, patients affected by osteoarthritis of the knee often develop patellofemoral pain.

Knee Pain Treatment in Minnesota

Dr. Robert Hartman is a minimally invasive surgical expert, fellowship-trained at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. As a founding partner of the Minnesota Valley Surgery Center, Dr. Hartman is committed to delivering the best treatment to patients in a comfortable and relaxed environment. For a consultation regarding your patellofemoral pain, schedule an appointment to visit the Twin Cities Orthopedics office in Burnsville, MN, or call the offices at (952) 808-3000.

Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain

Affected patients will experience dull, aching pain under or around the patellofemoral joint, where the kneecap and the thighbone meet. Pain is most noticeable when climbing stairs, or taking a kneeling or squatting position.

Causes of Patellofemoral Pain

Patellofemoral pain often results from soft tissue irritation around the knee cap, as well as sports injuries sustained from overuse, muscle imbalance, or inadequate stretching. Additionally, arthritis can cause patellofemoral pain, and in some cases, may be isolated to the patellofemoral compartment.

Other causes of patellofemoral pain include:

• Misalignment of the kneecap
• Dislocation of the knee joint
• Traumatic injury
• Excessive training or overuse
• Weak thigh muscles
• Improper footwear when exercising or playing sports

Patellofemoral Resurfacing

Patellofemoral knee joint resurfacing is a solution for patients experiencing severe arthritis in the patellofemoral compartment. Stryker's Avon Patellofemoral Knee System is designed to reproduce the natural joint during movement and facilitate movement of the kneecap along the thighbone. The implant is designed to feel comfortable, giving patients the ability to return to their active lifestyles sooner than with a conventional total knee replacement.

To find out more about patellofemoral resurfacing treatment in Minnesota, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hartman at Twin Cities Orthopedics.