Musculoskeletal (MSK) Knee Practice Test

The main idea here is that early, first-line management of patellofemoral pain focuses on active strategies that address mechanics and loading rather than passive devices. Education helps patients understand how activity and loading affect symptoms and how to pace and modify activities. A structured exercise program targets strengthening of the quadriceps and hip stabilizers, along with neuromuscular training to improve patellar tracking and knee mechanics. Patellar taping or mobilizations are often used as short-term aids to reduce pain and enable better performance of exercises.

Orthoses, while sometimes useful in specific biomechanical situations, are not routinely included as first-line treatment at the 3-month mark. They may be considered if there are clear abnormal foot mechanics or persistent symptoms despite optimized education and exercise, but they don’t address the underlying weaknesses and motor control as directly as the targeted exercise and education approach.