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Anterior Knee Pain…

The term "anterior knee pain," though somewhat nonspecific, refers to pain syndromes related to the kneecap or "patella." The exact cause of anterior knee pain is often not clear, but commonly is related to malalignment between the patella and the groove in which it sits. The forces transmitted by the patella with activities like squatting, running and jumping are extremely high (up to 6-8 times body weight). Because the patella must carry such high loads, it is extremely sensitive to small problems in alignment, overuse or training errors. Anterior knee pain is most commonly caused by errors in training such as excessive running mileage or improper shoe wear.

Symptoms
Most patients consult with a physician because of pain in the front of the knee. Usually described as a dull ache, but occasionally a sharp pain, the pain is brought on by activities such as running and jumping. Stair climbing or prolonged sitting (long car drives, movies) may bring on or exacerbate anterior knee pain. Patients may also notice a sensation of grating underneath their kneecaps. Giving way or buckling is a frequent complaint and is generally associated with weakness of the thigh musculature. Swelling is less common but may occasionally be related to anterior knee pain.

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