There are many causes of anterior knee pain, or pain in the front of the knee. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, pain in the front of the knee can be caused by numerous factors, including repetitive overuse injuries, traumatic injures to the patella, or kneecap, and certain medical conditions.
Chondromalacia Patellae
The cartilage that is underneath the kneecap helps absorb shock to the knee joint. When this cartilage is damaged from overuse, traumatic injury or other factors, the condition is called chondromalacia patellae, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. The Mayo Clinic website states that conservative care methods--including rest, ice and physical therapy modalities--are usually effective at relieving chondromalacia patellae-related pain, although surgical intervention may be required in some cases. Common signs and symptoms associated with chondromalacia patellae include a dull, aching pain in the anterior knee while ascending and descending stairs, kneeling, squatting, or sitting with the affected knee bent for prolonged periods.
Jumper's Knee
Jumper's knee can cause anterior knee pain. The patellar tendon links the kneecap to the tibia, or shin bone, and is extremely thick and strong. The patellar tendon allows the bulky quadriceps muscles to extend or straighten the lower leg. During the jumping motion, the quadriceps straighten the knee during the lift phase and help stabilize the knee during the landing phase. The patellar tendon is subjected to a significant amount of stress when a person jumps. Over time, with repetitive overuse, small tears can develop in the tendon, along with connective tissue degeneration. This condition is called jumper's knee, or patellar tendinopathy. Common signs and symptoms associated with jumper's knee include the following: pain at the front and bottom of the kneecap, aching and stiffness in the affected area after physical exertion, pain with quadriceps contraction and calf muscle weakness.
Patella Fracture
A patella fracture can cause anterior knee pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or AAOS, the kneecap acts as a protective device or shield for the knee joint. Because of its prominent position on the front of the knee, the kneecap is susceptible to fractures. One of the most common causes of patella fractures is a direct blow from a fall. The AAOS states that patella fractures may be serious injuries and require surgical intervention to heal properly. Over time, patella fractures may lead to osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease in the knee. Common signs and symptoms of patella fracture include the following: pain and swelling in the anterior knee, bruising in the affected area, an inability to extend or straighten the knee and an inability to bear weight and walk. According to the AAOS, patella fractures can occur in the top, center or lower part of the bone. In some cases, the patella can fracture in multiple locations.
