Platela femorial syndrome is runing my life

[funkychunkymonkey]

Im so sick of it! Doc tells me to deal with it, but im in so much pain im giving up doing the things I love. I used to love hiking, that hurts too much now. Heck I had to give up running which makes me sad cause I was training for the acadamy Im also freakign out about our trip to mackinaw since its all walking and so is our trip to Lacrosse. I guess crutches cant be that bad (to reduce use of the knee, my doc suggested this). Sorry, just a whiny vent, I know many of you have it alot worse.

 

[brighteyes]

I don't know exactly what that is, but I do know it sucks to be in pain. I also know it sucks to give up the things in life that you love.

So I do understand how it feels to be in pain and not be able to enjoy life the way you used to. It is not about who has it worse, the point is it is worse for you than it was before. I hate when others try to "one up you." My family does that and they do not even get it, they are not even in the same ballpark as me. But they think they are. And you are right - it does bite.

I get that. In many ways. I get that. Hope things improve for you, if that is possible.

 

[disneyjunebug]

I understand the pain part very well. For me, I've found that a walker with wheels works so much better than crutches. (I have issues with my ankles and knees from a car accident). I had to get past the "old lady" image, but it really is easier on my knees and my underarms! I actually have 3 -- one that has no wheels, on that has 2 wheels on the front, and one that has four wheels, a padded seat and hand brakes! (I bought that at a yard sale 2 weeks ago for $20).

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

My grandmother has a walker with the seat, Hopefully I can borrow it this summer. Im back to wearing my brace which is just miserable. I cant walk worth a darn, It hot and stinky and It itches. whats worse is I washed it out tonight and hung it out to dry.... Right before the tornado warning. Patella femoral syndrome is PFS and is caused by an abnormality in how the kneecap (patella) slides over the lower end of the thigh bone (the femur). Normally, the patella (kneecap) is pulled up over the end of the femur in a straight line by the quadriceps (thigh) muscle. In PFS, there is patellar "tracking" toward the lateral (outer) side of the femur. This off-kilter path permits the underside of the patella to grate along the femur leading to chronic inflammation and pain. (I borrowed this from a medical dictonary).

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Hey, I have Patella Femoral syndrome... Haven't heard of anyone else who even knew what this was. Anyway, I had a complete reconstruction of my left knee back in 1989 and it was an amazing fix for most of my pains. Sure, I can still tell you pretty certainly if it's going to rain anytime soon and I'll never be a snow skiier but I am for the most part pain free these days. I HIGHLY suggest you find a competent Orthopeadic Surgeon to help you, it will change your life! I used to live with supports on my legs but haven't had to use one in 20 years.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Also, I want to tell you that exercise is good for PFS, that is unlss you have scar tissue/torn ligaments/torn miniscus from the constant grinding and tearing-in which case you MUST have the surgery. Anyway, an Orthopod or Physical Therapist will give you specific strengthing exercises---you CAN strengthen your muscles which support the Patella to lessen the pain. It is a very painful ordeal which I was unable to complete but I went through 1 year of Physical Therpy before my rconstruction. I am now very careful to take care of my knees now. I exercise and never overdo them!

 

[TiggerStac]

i , also, have PFS. I agree no one else ever knows what it is.

I had reconstructive surgery when I was 16/17 back in 2002. I was a very active dancer/cheerleader and was in so much pain. It definately helped. I have it with my left knee as well, but it isn't nearly as bad as the right was.

I still do some of the exercises for stregthening that they gave me after when I was in PT.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Yea I was sent to phyical threphy, It didnt do much, just caused me more pain. i guess Ill be looking into surgery! I would love to be brace free and out of pain. Patella taping isnt helping much, which is what the doc told me to try.

 

[CzyDsnyFan92]

I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnoised with PFS when I was active duty...I spent years in and out of PT. Then they finally decided it was time to do something about my tracking problem. My surgeon did a Lateral Reticular Release (He basically cut into my muscle to try and loosen it up) in 2002. It still hurts all the time and it is grinding. I also have some swelling behind my knee. About 2 years ago after another round of PT the VA Hospital decided to give me some injections in my knee. My current MRI showed level 2 and 3 chrondomalcia. They basically told me that until the cartiladge was completely gone they wouldn''t do anything about it. I am currently considering a second opinon. Walking hurts...forget about running. I use to roller blade, dance, ride bikes and play volleyball all the time. Now I dread thinking about walking long distances. I have a knee brace that is basically for show since it doesn't really help anything. I was getting a little relief from my TENS unit but I can only use it so often so not sure what else to do and I hate taking pain meds all the time so most days I just suffer through the pain.