What is the Difference Between Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Osteoarthritis?

06/30/2025 • Felipe Moraes

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), also known as runner's knee, and osteoarthritis (OA) are two common causes of knee pain. Here are the main differences between the two:

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS):

  • Pain at the front of the kneecap, often caused by overuse or misalignment of the patella.
  • Common in athletes, particularly runners and jumpers.
  • Signs of PFPS include a dull ache in the front of the knee, pain while climbing stairs or jumping, and a "pop" or "crackle" sound when standing or using stairs.
  • PFPS is thought to be a precursor to patellofemoral osteoarthritis, but longitudinal studies have yet to conclusively prove this.

Osteoarthritis (OA):

  • A degenerative joint disease caused by the "wear and tear" of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
  • More common in people over 50 years old.
  • Symptoms of OA include stiffness and swelling in the knee, pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, and difficulty bending and straightening the knee.
  • OA is diagnosed through a combination of clinical signs, symptoms, and radiographic information from X-rays.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as the correct treatment depends on identifying the cause of the pain.

Comparative Table: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome vs Osteoarthritis

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are two different conditions that can affect the knee joint. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Feature Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Osteoarthritis
Definition PFPS is a condition characterized by pain around or behind the patella, often occurring during activities such as climbing stairs, jumping, and squatting. OA is a degenerative joint disease that can affect various joints in the body, including the knee, and is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs.
Onset PFPS is common in adolescents and young adults and can be caused by overuse, poor knee alignment, or muscle imbalances. OA usually develops in older adults, although it can occur in younger individuals due to factors such asjoint trauma, injury, or genetic predisposition.
Pain Location Pain is often experienced around or behind the patella and can be difficult to pinpoint. Pain is typically localized to the inferior pole of the patella.
Diagnosis PFPS is usually diagnosed using history and physical examination findings, with imaging not required for the diagnosis. OA is diagnosed using a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, as well as radiographic information from X-rays.
Risk Factors Risk factors for PFPS include overuse, poor knee alignment, muscle imbalances, and female gender. Risk factors for knee OA include increasing age, obesity, joint trauma or injury, and genetic predisposition.
Treatment Treatment for PFPS often involves conservative measures such as physical therapy, exercise, and taping. Treatment for knee OA can include non-surgical interventions like pain medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions in more severe cases.

While it has been hypothesized that PFPS may be a precursor to patellofemoral OA, longitudinal studies have yet to conclusively prove this.

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