Patellofemoral pain is commonly felt around or behind the kneecap and can be provoked by running, stairs or squatting. It is one possible explanation for anterior knee pain, not a label to apply to every sore knee.
Exercise targeting the hip and knee is a central part of the guideline approach. Running changes may create room to build strength and tolerance — for example, reducing a recent jump in training rather than abandoning the goal. The plan should reflect what you can currently do and how symptoms respond.
WHEN TO GET HELP
A swollen, locked or unstable knee, or pain after a significant injury, deserves a more specific assessment.
Further reading
This is general information, not a diagnosis or an individual rehabilitation plan. An assessment may change the advice that is right for you.