The kneecap protects the inner knee from trauma. The kneecap sits if front of the ends of the tibia and femur and slides in the patellofemoral groove during walking and knee bending. The cartilage under your kneecap, or patella, is a natural shock absorber. Certain factors may lead to a condition that can be termed as patellofemoral syndrome, which is a general term indicating damage to the cartilage under your knee, states MayoClinic.com. A patient with patellofemoral syndrome may experience a dull aching pain when walking up or down stairs, when kneeling or squatting, or when sitting with a bent knee for a long period of time. A patient with anterior knee pain should understand the causes of patellofemoral syndrome.
Abnormal Kneecap Positioning
A common cause of patellofemoral syndrome is abnormal positioning of the kneecap, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health. This condition is most common in women. Many women have abnormal kneecap positioning because females have wider hips then males. Wider hips can cause misalignment of the kneecap, which can result in cartilage damage, typically on the outside, or lateral aspect, of the kneecap. Treatment for misalignment includes medications and physical therapy to treat pain and strengthen muscles that keep the kneecap in proper alignment. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Weak Muscles
MedlinePlus states that weak muscles can cause patellofemoral syndrome. Strong muscles are necessary in the lower leg to keep the knee and the kneecap in proper alignment. Weak muscles allow the knee to typically slide to the outside, or lateral aspect of the knee joint, which can damage cartilage behind the kneecap. This results in anterior knee pain and swelling in the back of the knee. Physical therapy that strengthens the muscles in the leg will help keep the kneecap in proper alignment and prevent further cartilage damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
Overactivity
Overactivity can cause patellofemoral syndrome, states MedlinePlus. Specifically, patients who overdo activities, such as running, jumping, twisting, skiing and playing soccer, can place excessive strain on the kneecap. Too much strain and overuse can damage cartilage in the back of the knee, which results in the symptoms of patellofemoral syndrome. In this case, rest is the best initial treatment. A patient should take a break from activity that strains the kneecap until symptoms improve. If symptoms remain, he should schedule an appointment with his doctor to seek proper diagnosis and treatment of knee pain.
