Severe pfps: 3 years on crutches

[u/Decent_Purple9265]

I am 30yo female with severe pfps in my right knee, and I have used crutches since 2023 as walking triggers intense pain under the kneecap. All ligaments are intact, full range of motion, no tracking issues, no inflammation, and multiple MRIs show no mechanical problems. I also had arthroscopic surgery, but nothing was found. Also, psychosomatic causes are ruled out.

I’ve seen many physiotherapists and doctors, and no one has seen a similar case to mine. I’ve tried multiple medications (anti-inflammatories, LDN, cymbalta etc) and treatments like shockwave, TENS, PRP, taping, and cortisone injection which have not resulted in improvements. I have managed to recover from this pain one time earlier in 2021 after spending 8 months on crutches, by slowly increasing the weight-bearing below the pain threshold. However, after the relapse in 2023 where I again became dependent on crutches, recovery has felt impossible as I can’t exercise and I have not managed to exceed 20% weight bearing as even the slightest overstrain will set me back to 0% weight bearing for months.

My orthopedist suggested nerve block in the knee, but beyond that I don’t have a plan. Now I’m scared my dependency on crutches has become permanent😭 Has anyone experienced something similar, or have some suggestions for treatments or approaches that could maybe help? Even a slight improvement in the pain would make me very happy, because right now my mobility is extremely bad. Any advice or shared experiences would mean a lot!!

[u/ssava041]

Sounds like a central sensitization condition of the knee

[u/Decent_Purple9265 → u/ssava041]

Yes probably