A variety of treatments for<unk>  are available. Most people respond well to conservative therapy. Exercises thumb<unk>  may also result from overuse or overload of the PF joint. For this reason, knee activity should be reduced until the pain is resolved. There is consistent but low quality evidence that exercise therapy for<unk>  reduces pain, improves function and aids long-term recovery. However, there is insufficient evidence to compare the effectiveness of different types of exercises with each other, and exercises with other forms of treatment. Exercise therapy is the recommended first line treatment of<unk> . Various exercises have been studied and recommended. Exercises are described according to 3 parameters: * Type of muscle activity (concentric, eccentric or isometric) * Type of joint movement (dynamic, isometric or static) * Reaction forces (closed or open kinetic chain) The majority of exercise programs intended to treat<unk>  are designed to strengthen the quadriceps muscles. Quadriceps strengthening is considered to be the "gold" standard treatment for<unk> . Quadriceps strengthening is commonly suggested because the quadriceps muscles help to stabilize the patella. Quadriceps weakness and muscle imbalance may contribute to abnormal patellar tracking. If the strength of the vastus medialis muscle is inadequate, the usually larger and stronger vastus lateralis muscle will pull sideways (laterally) on the kneecap. Strengthening the vastus medialis to prevent or counter the lateral force of the vastus lateralis is one way of relieving<unk> . However, there is growing evidence that shows proximal factors play a much larger role than vastus medialis (VMO) strength deficits or quadriceps imbalance. Hip abductor, extensor, and external rotator strengthening may help. Emphasis during exercise may be placed on coordinated contraction of the medial and lateral parts of the quadriceps as well as of the hip adductor, hip abductor and gluteal muscles. Many exercise programs include stretches designed to improve lower limb flexibility. Electromyographic biofeedback allows visualization of specific muscle contractions and may help individuals performing the exercises to target the intended muscles during the exercise. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to strengthen quadracep muscles is sometimes suggested, however the effectiveness of this treatment is not certain. Inflexibility has often been cited as a source of<unk> . Stretching of the lateral knee has been suggested to help. Knee and lumbar joint mobilization are not recommended as primary interventions for<unk> . It can be used as combination intervention, but as we continue to promote use of active and physical interventions for<unk> , passive interventions such as joint mobilizations are not recommended. Manual Therapy Manual therapy in addition to exercises helps in reducing pain, improving function, and knee range of motion in patients with<unk> . Manual therapy such as patellar joint mobilization, manipulation and soft tissue mobilization along with Physical therapy exercises is found to be effective in treating<unk> . However, there is no enough evidence that supports lumbopelvic spine manipulation has any effect on the quadricep muscle activation to improve function & reduce pain. Medication Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to treat<unk> ; however, there is only very limited evidence that they are effective. NSAIDs may reduce pain in the short term; overall, however, after three months pain is not improved. There is no evidence that one type of NSAID is superior to another in<unk> , and therefore some authors have recommended that the NSAID with fewest side effects and which is cheapest should be used. Glycosaminoglycan polysulfate (GAGPS) inhibits proteolytic enzymes and increases synthesis and degree of polymerization of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid. There is contradictory evidence that it is effective in<unk> . Braces and taping There is no difference in pain symptoms between taping and non-taping in individuals with<unk> . Although taping alone is not shown to reduce pain, studies show that taping in conjunction with therapeutic exercise can have a significant effect on pain reduction. Knee braces are ineffective in treating<unk> . The technique of McConnell taping involves pulling the patella medially with tape (medial glide). Findings from some studies suggest that there is limited benefit with patella taping or bracing when compared to quadriceps exercises alone. There is a lack of evidence to show that knee braces, sleeves, or straps are effective. Insoles Low arches can cause overpronation or the feet to roll inward too much increasing load on the<unk>  joint. Poor lower extremity biomechanics may cause stress on the knees and can be related to the development of<unk> , although the exact mechanism linking joint loading to the development of the condition is not clear. Foot orthoses can help to improve lower extremity biomechanics and may be used as a component of overall treatment. Foot orthoses may be useful for reducing knee pain in the short term, and may be combined with exercise programs or physical therapy. However, there is no evidence supporting use of combined exercise with foot orthoses as intervention beyond 12 months for adults. Evidence for long term use of foot orthoses for adolescents is uncertain. No evidence supports use of custom made foot orthoses. Surgery The scientific consensus is that surgery should be avoided except in very severe cases in which conservative treatments fail. The majority of individuals with<unk>  receive nonsurgical treatment. Alternative medicine The use of electrophysical agents and therapeutic modalities are not recommended as passive treatments should not be the focus of the plan of care. There is no evidence to support the use of acupuncture or low-level laser therapy. Most studies claiming benefits of alternative therapies for<unk>  were conducted with flawed experimental design, and therefore did not produce reliable results.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Chondromalacia patellae
Patellar subluxation syndrome
Patellar tendinitis
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Infrapatellar fat pad syndrome
Anterior compartment syndrome
Infrapatellar bursitis