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.
