What typically aggravates symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, often characterized by discomfort around the kneecap, is commonly aggravated by several specific activities and positions. Prolonged sitting and climbing stairs are particularly notable for exacerbating symptoms due to the increased stress and pressure on the patellofemoral joint.

When sitting for extended periods, known as "theatre sign," the knee remains flexed, which can lead to irritation of the patellar surface. This position, combined with the need to fully extend the knee after sitting for a long time, can elicit pain. Climbing stairs, on the other hand, requires significant quadriceps activation, which puts additional load on the patellofemoral joint due to the mechanics involved in moving against gravity. This dual effect of compression and shear forces on the knee during these activities can lead to increased pain levels, making the symptoms more pronounced in these scenarios.

While activities like running on uneven surfaces and jumping may also lead to discomfort in someone with patellofemoral pain syndrome, prolonged sitting and climbing stairs are more consistently linked to exacerbation of symptoms due to their specific biomechanical demands on the knee. Walking downhill can aggravate the condition as well, but the impact of prolonged sitting and stair climbing on symptom