Anterior knee pain
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Anterior Knee Pain
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It is also subjected to high loads when walking and increases during physical activity. All of this makes the knee susceptible to various pathologies.
Anterior knee pain, for example, is one of the most common ailments. Many people each year attend orthopedic consultations to treat this condition, which affects people of all ages, but is more prevalent in adolescents.
Next, we'll learn more about anterior knee pain.
What is anterior knee pain?
In the medical world, anterior knee pain is a generic term that encompasses a wide variety of conditions that cause pain near or behind the kneecap. According to medical data, 25% of the population, at some stage in their lives, is affected by this pain.
Athletes are, in most cases, the group most affected by anterior knee pain.
The patella is a triangular bone that articulates with the femur. The back of the patella and the end of the thighbone, where the patella sits, are covered with cartilage. This whitish connective tissue helps reduce friction, facilitates movement, and acts as a shock absorber.
Due to the complex anatomy of the knee, it is often difficult to clearly diagnose anterior knee pain.
Symptoms of Anterior Knee Pain
The most common symptom of this condition is a dull, stabbing pain that begins gradually, increasing in intensity. It is also related to physical activity, so as it increases, so does the pain.
It is usually felt behind the kneecap or in the lower or lateral area. It is most noticeable when going up or down stairs, kneeling, or squatting.
Other symptoms of anterior knee pain include popping and creaking, pain after holding a position for a long period of time, and swelling.
What sports are most common for anterior knee pain?
As we explained in previous paragraphs, athletes are the most likely to suffer from this condition. This type of pain usually affects those who practice the following sports: tennis, soccer, cycling, or basketball.
It can also hinder other physical activities such as running, cycling, climbing, and aerobic exercise, among others.
Causes of Anterior Knee Pain
The patella is located just in front of the knee joint, and as the knee bends and stretches, the patella slides over the trochlea, a groove located on the front of the femur. Anterior knee pain begins when this process is not carried out correctly, resulting in increased friction between the two bones.
This can occur for several reasons:
• A poor position of the patella, out of its gliding path.
• Weakness or tightness of the muscles in the front or back of the thigh.
• Anatomical abnormalities in the groove where the patella glides. That is, when it is very narrow, causing increased friction.
• Overuse of the joint, which causes the patella to suffer from hyperpressure, can also play a role. It should be noted that the patients most likely to suffer from anterior knee pain are those with previous injuries, those who are overweight, and athletes.
Dr. Juan Carlos Posada (Orthopedist) answers these questions about anterior knee pain.
00:32 What is anterior knee pain?
00:47 Aside from pain intensity, are there different types of anterior knee pain?
02:55 What are the causes of anterior knee pain?
03:51 What can a patient do on their own in terms of exercises and postures to relieve anterior knee pain?
03:59 Or when should they consult a specialist?
04:30 After consulting a specialist, what process should the patient follow to manage the pain?
05:07 What are the warning signs that an athlete is overdoing it?
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