Is patellofemoral pain affected by long car journeys?

Background: I have been suffering for knee pain for two years and was barely able to leave the house. I get a stabbing pain in the front of both knees when walking. It also becomes unbearably painful at night.

Last year I was sent for an MRI & X-ray which showed nothing.

In February, I was finally sent to a physiotherapist. Her exercises helped as I’ve slowly built up the walking I can do to 25 minutes before it gets painful.

This week I was referred to a physiotherapist who specializes in knee pain. He says I have over sensitive nerves and patellofemoral pain (when the knee joint doesn’t align properly and causes pain).  

He advises to pace myself to gradually increase the amount of walking I do. 

 

My question: Is this condition aggravated by long car journeys? I’ve looked on the Internet but have found mixed opinions. I have got a family event that is a 3 hour journey (I will be going as a passenger). It’s the first time I’ve done such a journey in over a year (as I found car trips to be too painful in the past). 

Is it worth attempting it or should I leave it? 

I did ask the physiotherapist, but his answer was a bit vague. He just said if you have to go, then you have to go, but just take lots of breaks. 

But as I am finally making progress, I don’t want to jeopardize it with something that might be too much!

Go on your trip but get out every few minutes and stretch and walk around.

Get out every few minutes to walk around and stretch. Have fun!

Have fun. Get out every few minutes to walk around and stretch.