Patellofemoral pain: definition, risk factors and treatment, with Jean-François Esculier

Patellofemoral pain is explained through its definition, basic joint anatomy, common aggravating activities, and the structures that may produce pain. The session emphasizes that the main driver is usually overload of the patellofemoral joint rather than static alignment issues or simple weakness alone. Risk factors are reviewed, including training errors, quadriceps strength, hip strength, and running mechanics, while also challenging common myths about Q angle, flat feet, pronation, and VMO timing. The strongest focus is on treatment. Learners can expect practical guidance on managing load, educating patients, and using exercise as the core intervention. Hip, knee, and trunk strengthening are recommended, along with clear advice on acceptable pain during activity, gradual return to running, and long-term self-management. Other options such as taping, foot orthoses, gait retraining, cadence changes, and footwear adjustments are also discussed, with attention to when they may help and when they are unsupported. A detailed runner case study shows how these principles are applied in practice, especially for modifying training, step rate, and shoe transition.