Anterior Knee Pain

Have you noticed pain in front of your knee with climbing stairs, standing after sitting, squatting to perform usual chores or even during long walks?

Are you not able to do your usual work out or suddenly have pain with running?  If you are noticing discomfort with these activities, without experiencing any trauma, you may be suffering from patellofemoral pain.  It's a very common pain that generally occurs in front of the knee around the knee cap (patella). Patellofemoral pain usually occurs with a gradual onset vs. pain that occurs immediately with trauma.  It is present in 20% of younger adults and occurs 2.5X more in females vs. males.

Symptoms include sharp or dull pain under or around the knee cap. There may also be some audible popping or crackling noises.  Usually this pain comes and goes and is present with specific activities or exercise. It is very common with activities that involve bending the knee.

Causes for patellofemoral pain may include:

• Hip tightness or flexibility deficits (quadricep, hamstring, psoas, Iliotibial band and piriformis)

• Hip weakness

• Malalignment or structural deficits with anatomy

• Wearing improper shoe wear for your structure or wearing shoes that are "broken down"

• Poor exercise technique

• Sudden increase in training

The good news is this diagnosis responds well to physical therapy!  A physical therapist trained in assessing biomechanics will be able to identify your deficits after a thorough evaluation.  Exercises targeted at creating flexibility in the hips and legs are very important in helping to alleviate symptoms.  Strengthening your hips, especially gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, as well as the rest of your legs, is also necessary for better support and stability for the knee.  Further assessment of your alignment and foot structure will allow the physical therapist to make recommendations for athletic or running shoes specific for you. They will also be able to determine if an over the counter insert or orthotic is needed.  Addressing proper exercise technique and creating a customized home exercise program will give you the tools needed to help you reach your goals.  The physical therapist may also choose to use manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and/or joint mobilizations to promote better mobility.

Don't let knee pain keep you from doing what you love!  Call a physical therapist to treat your knee and help you learn how to prevent any potential future knee pain.