Anterior Knee Pain

Anterior knee pain also known as runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain is a common condition which causes pain at the front of the knee.  It is often associated with running, cycling, or a sudden increase in activity levels.  If your pain is at the side of your knee then please see our page ITB syndrome and contact East Cliff Physiotherapy Centre to see how we can help with treatments.

Anterior knee pain is characterised by a dull aching pain under or around the front of the kneecap (patella), where it connects to the end of the thighbone (femur).  Symptoms may occur when walking up or down stairs, kneeling, squatting and when sitting with the knee bent for a long period of time.

A number of factors can contribute to patellofemoral pain, including:

• A sudden increase or decrease in exercise levels
• Tightness, imbalance, or weakness of hip and thigh muscles
• Flat feet (overpronation with a dropped medial arch of the foot)
• Previous complete or partial dislocation of the kneecap
• Previous trauma to the front of the knee

It is usually a good idea to stop the activities that aggravate your knee pain and organise an assessment with a Chartered Physiotherapist.  Appointments with East Cliff can usually be made as early as the next day and all of our Physiotherapists are HPC Registered. Depending on the assessment findings, treatment may include:

• Manual therapy – to lengthen and desensitise any shortened, painful structures around the back, hip, knee and lower leg.
• Specific exercises – to strengthen any weak muscle groups around the back, hip, knee and lower leg.
• Taping/Strapping – to provide pain relief and support to the kneecap during rehabilitation.
• Biomechanical correction of the leg and foot with supportive insoles and advice on footwear.

Patellofemoral pain usually gets better with early treatment and specific, targeted rehabilitation.

If you would like further information then please contact us.