Management Team

Anterior Knee Pain

Overview

Anterior knee pain refers to discomfort behind or around the kneecap (patella). It arises from various joint abnormalities and varies widely in severity.

  • Structural or anatomical abnormalities.
  • Patellar malalignment or instability.
  • Muscle weakness, tightness, or imbalance.
  • Overuse or repetitive use of knee muscles, especially in sports.
  • Patellar fractures.
  • Certain medical conditions like obesity.
  • Conditions causing anterior knee pain include:
    • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (Runner’s knee)
    • Patellar tendonitis (Jumper’s knee)
    • Chondromalacia patella
    • Patellar arthritis
    • Osgood Schlatter disease
    • Iliotibial band syndrome

The primary symptom is pain behind or around the kneecap, which may worsen during activities such as:

  • Descending the stairs
  • Wearing high heels
  • Sitting for prolonged durations
  • Squatting
  • Using a car clutch
  • Knee instability
  • Crepitus (grating feeling or noise)
  • Quadriceps muscle weakness if pain persists

  • Common in women, teenagers, adolescents (affects 30% of adolescents), and young adults.
  • Repetitive physical activity.
  • Engagement in running, cycling, and athletics.
  • History of knee injury.

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography, radiography, or magnetic resonance imaging MRI for joint pain
  • Assessment of core stability, muscle imbalances, and functional limitations

Non-surgical treatment

  • Rest and pain management
  • Strengthening and stretching the thigh and buttock muscles
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Using shoe inserts for flat feet
  • Taping to realign the kneecap
  • Proper footwear
  • Heat and ice application
  • Physical therapy helps address malalignment and provides strengthening programmes

Surgical treatment

Surgery is considered only for patients who do not benefit from non-surgical interventions and need fast recovery.

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