What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) include physical therapy, eccentric exercises, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physical therapy and eccentric exercises are generally safe but can sometimes cause temporary muscle soreness or discomfort. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may cause gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding, especially with long-term use. Overall, these treatments are well-tolerated, with side effects being relatively mild and manageable.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved drugs exclusively for the treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). However, common treatments for knee pain, including PFPS, often involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, which are FDA-approved for pain relief. Additionally, physical therapy focusing on strengthening and improving the biomechanics of the knee and surrounding structures, such as the ankle dorsiflexion assessment, is a widely recommended approach. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used for short-term pain relief, although their routine use is not generally recommended.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Ankle Dorsiflexion Assessment for PFPS patients include: 1) Dynamic MRI and ultrasound imaging to assess real-time joint and soft tissue mechanics, 2) Wearable sensors and smart insoles that provide continuous biomechanical data during daily activities, and 3) 3D motion capture systems combined with machine learning algorithms to analyze movement patterns and identify compensatory mechanisms.

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Ankle Mobilization for Knee Pain

Q: What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The most common treatments for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) focus on biomechanical corrections through physical therapy exercises, orthotic devices, and taping techniques. Physical therapy aims to strengthen the quadriceps, improve hip and core stability, and enhance flexibility in the hamstrings and calf muscles, which helps correct patellar tracking and reduce knee joint stress. Orthotic devices and taping improve foot alignment and reduce abnormal forces on the knee. These treatments are essential for PFPS patients as they address the underlying biomechanical issues, leading to more effective and sustained pain relief.

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Everett Lohman, Dsc

Research Sponsored by Loma Linda University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change between baseline and post intervention on day 1

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to see if improving ankle movement can help people with knee pain perform squats better. Participants will do exercises to increase ankle flexibility and then test their knee function.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for women aged 18-59 with Patellofemoral Pain lasting at least 6 months, who haven't had clinic treatments in that time. They must have limited ankle movement (<45 degrees on a lunge test) and no knee swelling, abnormal limb structures, severe resting pain, or past surgery/fractures affecting leg/spine biomechanics.

What is being tested?

The study examines how limited ankle flexibility affects single-leg squats in those with knee pain. Participants will either receive 'Mobilization with Movement' therapy or just education without mobilization to see which method better improves squat performance.

What are the potential side effects?

Since the interventions involve physical therapy techniques and educational components rather than medication, side effects are minimal but may include temporary discomfort or muscle soreness from the movements performed during the sessions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change between baseline and post intervention on day 1

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change between baseline and post intervention on day 1

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change between baseline and post intervention on day 1 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Weight bearing lunge test

Secondary study objectives

Patellofemoral Disability Index

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Primary Intervention GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The experimental group will receive two interventions to increase dorsiflexion range of motion.

Group II: Minimal Intervention GroupActive Control1 Intervention

The minimal intervention group will read and infographic and complete 5 minutes of treadmill walking.

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Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) focus on biomechanical corrections through physical therapy exercises, orthotic devices, and taping techniques. Physical therapy aims to strengthen the quadriceps, improve hip and core stability, and enhance flexibility in the hamstrings and calf muscles, which helps correct patellar tracking and reduce knee joint stress. Orthotic devices and taping improve foot alignment and reduce abnormal forces on the knee. These treatments are essential for PFPS patients as they address the underlying biomechanical issues, leading to more effective and sustained pain relief.