Patellofemoral pain often presents as gradual onset of knee pain behind or around the patella • It is usually unrelated to trauma, but is associated with greater frequency or duration of patellofemoral loaded activities (squatting, climbing stairs, hiking, running) • Imaging is rarely indicated • Conservative therapies (physiotherapist-led, targeted exercises, foot orthoses) are effective • Accurate diagnosis and explanation of the condition and rehabilitation programmes can improve the outcome Patellofemoral pain is pain behind or around the patella (also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, anterior knee pain, runner's knee, and, formerly, chondromalacia patellae). It is common, and, though not invariably, typically affects physically active people aged <40 years. 1 2 It can be diagnosed clinically, and evidence based treatments can help patients maintain a physically active lifestyle.