There are a big number of causes of anterior knee pain. Often pain begins after an injury, other times pain in the knee gradually develops in time with no apparent cause.
Anterior knee pain also know as Patellofemoral syndrome, Chondromalacia patella, Runner’s knee, Patellar tendinitis, Jumper’s knee.
Anterior knee pain is pain that takes place at the front and center of the knee. It can be brought on by many different problems, consisting of:
- Chondromalacia of the patella – the softening and breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) on the underside of the kneecap (patella).
- Runner’s knee (often called patellar tendinitis).
- Lateral compression syndrome – the patella tracks more to the outdoors part of the knee.
- Quadriceps tendinitis – pain and tenderness at the quadriceps tendon attachment to the patella.
- Patella maltracking – instability of the patella on the knee.
Causes of Anterior Knee Pain
Your kneecap (patella) sits over the front of your knee joint. As you bend or correct your knee, the underside of the patella slides over the bones that comprise the knee.
Strong tendons assist attach the kneecap to the bones and muscles that surround the knee. These tendons are called:
- The patellar tendon (where the kneecap connects to the shin bone).
- The quadriceps tendon (where the thigh muscles attach to the top of the kneecap).
Anterior knee pain begins when the kneecap does stagnate appropriately and rubs versus the lower part of the thigh bone. This might occur due to the fact that:
- The kneecap is in an abnormal position (likewise called poor positioning of the patellofemoral joint).
- There is tightness or weakness of the muscles on the front and back of your thigh.
- You are doing excessive activity that places additional stress on the kneecap (such as running, jumping or twisting, skiing, or playing soccer).
- You have flat feet.
Anterior knee pain is more common in:
- People who are overweight.
- People who have had a dislocation, fracture, or other injury to the kneecap.
- Runners, jumpers, skiers, bicyclists, and soccer players who exercise frequently.
- Teenagers and healthy young adults, more often girls.
Other possible causes of anterior knee pain include:
- Arthritis.
- Pinching of the inner lining of the knee during movement (called synovial impingement or plica syndrome).
Symptoms of Anterior Knee Pain
Anterior knee pain is a dull, hurting pain that is usually felt:
- Behind the kneecap (patella).
- Below the kneecap.
- On the sides of the kneecap.
One typical symptom is a grating or grinding feeling when the knee is flexed (when the ankle is brought closer to the back of the thigh).
Symptoms may be more obvious with:
- Deep knee flexes.
- Decreasing stairs.
- Running downhill.
- Standing up after sitting for awhile.
Diagnosis
The healthcare company will carry out a physical examination. The knee may hurt and slightly swollen. Also, the kneecap may not be perfectly associated the thigh bone (femur).
When you flex your knee, you may feel a grinding sensation listed below the kneecap. Pressing the kneecap when the knee is correcting may hurt.
Your service provider might desire you to do a single leg squat to take a look at muscle imbalance and your core stability.
X-rays are very often normal. Nevertheless, an unique x-ray view of the kneecap may reveal signs of arthritis or tilting.
MRI scans are rarely required.
Treatment for Anterior Knee Pain
Resting the knee for a brief amount of time and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin might assist ease pain.
Other things you can do to eliminate anterior knee pain include:
- Modification the method you work out.
- Learn exercises to both enhance and stretch the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
- Find out exercises to reinforce your core.
- Reduce weight (if you are obese).
- Use special shoe inserts and assistance devices (orthotics) if you have flat feet.
- Tape your knee to realign the kneecap.
- Wear the right running or sports shoes.
Hardly ever, surgery for pain behind the kneecap is needed. During the surgery:
- Kneecap cartilage that has actually been damaged may be gotten rid of.
- Modifications may be made to the tendons to help the kneecap move more evenly.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Anterior knee pain typically enhances with a modification in activity, workout therapy, and using NSAIDs.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care service provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
