The kneecap (patella), located at the front of the knee, gives leverage and power to the leg muscles. When the knee is overstressed, an individual may feel a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee. This is known as anterior knee pain, runner's knee or patellofemoral joint syndrome. Anterior knee discomfort tends to occur in overweight individuals, athletes, children, young adults and senior citizens who over-stress their knees.
Anterior Knee Pain in Females
Anterior knee pain occurs at a higher rate in females. This is due to the size of the female pelvis. Females have wider pelvises, which creates a pointed angle where the thigh and leg bone join. This can lead to kneecap misalignment, which results in pain. In addition, females ligaments are generally more slack, and muscles that support the kneecap tend to be weaker than males.
Causes
Causes of the pain vary, but often come from tendonitis and the breakdown or irritation of the cartilage at the base of the kneecap. These conditions result from improper knee movement that causes the kneecap to rub against the lower portions of the thigh bone. Causes of improper movement include pes planus (flat feet), misalignment of the kneecap and femur (patellofemoral joint), tight or weak muscles on the front and back of the thigh and overexertion of the kneecap during exercise or sports activities. Frequent inactivity leads to the loss of muscle tone around the knee, which can lead to anterior knee discomfort.
Additional causes include cycling, rowing running and walking down hills or stairs, arthritis, cartilage injury and dislocation or fracture of the kneecap. In some cases, pain occurs from prolonged sitting or getting in and out of a vehicle. Pinching of the synovial membrane (knee's inner lining), referred to as synovial impingement or plica syndrome, also causes discomfort.
Symptoms
Individuals often experience knee pain behind, below or on the kneecap. The pain can be worse at night or during activities that bend the knee. Snapping, popping or crackling sounds may accompany the pain when climbing stairs, standing up, or walking after prolonged sitting. Individuals may feel a dull, aching pain in the knee from a change in activity level or intensity. Other symptoms include partial locking, buckling, tenderness, swelling or sensitivity in the knee. Ice, rest, simple knee exercises and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may ease the discomfort. Never self-diagnose. Consulting a licensed health professional helps determine the exact cause of the pain and exclude other problems.
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