Understanding Causes of Knee Cap Pain and Effective Treatments

Understanding Knee Cap Pain

Knee pain is an extremely common complaint that affects people of all ages. The knee joint is complex and is vulnerable to injuries and conditions that can cause everything from mild to severe knee pain.

One specific type of knee pain that many people experience is kneecap pain, medically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This refers to pain directly under or around the kneecap (patella).

Causes of Knee Cap Pain

There are many possible causes of patellofemoral knee pain, including:

• Overuse - Repeated bending, squatting, stairs, running can irritate the tissue under the kneecap
• Traumatic injury - Falls or blows directly to the kneecap can damage the cartilage
• Imbalance - Weak thigh and hip muscles can lead to poor tracking of the kneecap
• Misalignment - Issues with the alignment or structure of the kneecap can increase friction
• Arthritis - Osteoarthritis can cause deterioration of kneecap cartilage
• Chondromalacia patellae - Softening and damage to underside of the kneecap cartilage

Risk Factors

There are also a variety of risk factors that can increase susceptibility to patellofemoral knee pain such as:

• Female gender
• Age - Most common between ages 16-25
• Sports involving jumping or squatting
• Muscle imbalances
• Flat feet or knock knees
• Tight supporting leg muscles

Symptoms

The most common kneecap pain symptoms include:

• Pain underneath or around kneecap - Typically a dull, aching pain but can be sharp
• Pain that is worse when going up and down stairs
• Pain when rising from sitting or squatting
• Knee stiffness or swelling
• Feeling that the knee will "give out"
• A crunching or grinding noise when bending the knee

Is The Pain Serious?

In most cases, knee cap pain is more annoying than serious. However, there are some warning signs to watch for that may indicate a more serious injury or condition:

• Inability to fully straighten the knee
• Knee locking or getting stuck in one position
• Sudden swelling and warmth in the joint
• Feeling as if the knee may give out when walking
• Extreme tenderness directly over the kneecap
• A popping sensation and immediate pain after injuring the knee

If you experience any of these red flags along with kneecap pain, it is important to see a doctor promptly to assess for damage or issues within the joint.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the underlying cause of kneecap pain, the doctor will typically:

• Ask about symptoms and medical history
• Conduct a physical examination of the knee
• Order imaging tests - x-rays, MRI
• Refer to an orthopedic specialist if needed

Physical Exam

During the exam, the doctor will check for:

• Swelling and tenderness around kneecap
• Range of motion problems
• Muscle weakness
• Joint stability issues
• Crepitus - crunching sound in knee
• Misalignment of the legs and feet

Imaging Tests

If a serious injury is suspected, imaging tests may include:

• X-rays - Assess bone alignment or arthritis
• MRI scan - Evaluates soft tissues and cartilage
• CT scan - Gives a 3D view of the knee structure

These tests create detailed images of the knee joint to help accurately diagnose damage or abnormalities.

Treatments

The best treatment approach depends on the specific cause of knee cap pain, but may involve:

Rest and Medications

Reducing activities that aggravate knee pain can help injured tissues heal. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and ice packs can ease swelling and discomfort.

Knee Braces and Supports

Wearing a knee brace or sleeve applies compression to help stabilize the kneecap and minimize pain when active.

Physical Therapy

Specific stretches and exercises will strengthen muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and retrain proper kneecap movement.

Orthotics

Inserts for shoes can help correct overpronation and improve alignment if improper foot mechanics are contributing to knee cap pain.

Surgery

If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be needed to repair damage within the joint or realign structures causing kneecap tracking problems.

Prevention

Some tips to help prevent future kneecap pain include:

• Warm up properly before exercise
• Listen to your body and avoid overdoing activities
• Maintain appropriate leg and hip strength
• Use proper running shoes and replace regularly
• Stay at healthy weight to avoid excess knee joint stress

Implementing injury prevention strategies while engaging in sports and exercise can help keep the knees healthy and decrease risk of developing patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Knee cap pain can stem from various issues within and around the patellofemoral joint. Being aware of the possible causes and risk factors along with seeking appropriate medical care is key to getting relief and returning to regular activity levels.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.