Anterior Knee Pain Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z 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. Causes 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 patellaPatellar arthritisOsgood Schlatter diseaseIliotibial band syndrome Symptoms The primary symptom is pain behind or around the kneecap, which may worsen during activities such as:Descending the stairsWearing high heelsSitting for prolonged durationsSquattingUsing a car clutchKnee instabilityCrepitus (grating feeling or noise)Quadriceps muscle weakness if pain persists Risk factors 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. Diagnosis Medical historyPhysical examinationImaging techniques, such as ultrasonography, radiography, or magnetic resonance imaging MRI for joint painAssessment of core stability, muscle imbalances, and functional limitations Treatment Non-surgical treatmentRest and pain managementStrengthening and stretching the thigh and buttock musclesMaintaining a healthy weightUsing shoe inserts for flat feetTaping to realign the kneecapProper footwearHeat and ice applicationPhysical therapy helps address malalignment and provides strengthening programmesSurgical treatmentSurgery is considered only for patients who do not benefit from non-surgical interventions and need fast recovery.