Exploring the Link Between Foot Arch Variations and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Athletes
- Julian Simpson
- Dec 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Exploring the Link Between Foot Arch Variations and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Athletes
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent source of knee pain among adolescents and young adults
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Pain occurring in the prepatellar or retropatellar region that worsens during prolonged sitting, kneeling, squatting, and stair climbing
It is anterior knee pain and mainly affects young athletes without any structural abnormalities
How common is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
It affects 22 in 1000 people
Athletes playing sports that involve running and jumping, such as basketball or tennis, have been reported to be the most affected population. According to a recent study, approximately 25% of recreational athletes with PFPS will stop playing sports due to knee pain.
What are the risk factors of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Weakness in the gastrocnemius, hamstring, or quadriceps;
tightness in the iliotibial band;
general ligament laxity;
insufficient hamstring or quadriceps strength;
weakness in the hip musculature;
compression of the patella;
and abnormal reflex timing between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles.
External factors are overtraining and inappropriate shoes
What is the role of the feet in causing knee pain?
Flat feet have been linked to the development of anterior knee pain and occasional episodes of low back pain.
Foot pronation, resulting in inward rotation of the tibia and femur, can increase the reaction forces within the knee, leading to higher loads on the joint
Because activities like running and jumping typically impose significant loads on the knee, athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome who display a more pronated foot position may be prone to lower extremity injuries during sports-related activities
How do you know if your foot arch is normal?
A quick test you can do is when you are standing, see if someone can place 3 fingers in the arch of the foot! As a flat foot is the biggest cause of foot variations leading to knee pain, this could help people get relief quicker!
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Gudi A, Prabhakar AJ, Eapen C, Paliniswamy V, Kamat YD. The Association of Foot Arch Variations With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Recreational Athletes. Orthop J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 3;13(6):23259671251334776. doi: 10.1177/23259671251334776. PMID: 40470514; PMCID: PMC12134508.
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