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Association of Footwear with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Runners

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Abstract

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee problem with a diverse aetiology. One of the clinically well accepted risk factors is malalignment of the lower extremities, including excessive foot pronation, tibial and femoral rotations. A feature of footwear technology entitled ‘motion control’ aims to reduce excessive movements of the rearfoot during sports activities, and has been developed and used by runners. However, no studies have reported a causal relationship between footwear and PFPS. This review attempts to explore a possible link between the footwear and PFPS so as to shed light on whether proper selection of shoes may be an adjunct therapeutic consideration in the management of patients with PFPS.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Departmental Research Grant of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, for financial support. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong

    Roy T. H. Cheung &  Gabriel Y. F. Ng

  2. Physiotherapy Department, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

    Roy T. H. Cheung

  3. Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong

    Bob F. C. Chen

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  1. Roy T. H. Cheung
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  2. Gabriel Y. F. Ng
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  3. Bob F. C. Chen
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Cheung, R.T.H., Ng, G.Y.F. & Chen, B.F.C. Association of Footwear with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Runners. Sports Med 36, 199–205 (2006). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200636030-00002

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