Anterior Knee Pain

The patello-femoral joint (the joint between the kneecap and the thigh bone-called the femur) is a problematic area for many. Excessive forces on the underside of the kneecap (causing painful stress on the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap), quadriceps tendinitis/tendinosis and patellar tendonitis/tendinosis are three common causes of pain in the front of the knee. Chondromalacia (softening of the cartilage) patella is also a common diagnosis for anterior knee pain.

Overuse and poor hip strength are often associated with these conditions. These conditions can be managed with physical therapy, taping/bracing of the knee and hip, and with the appropriate eccentric and hip stabilization exercises per your therapist’s recommendations.

Possible Treatments

• Aerobic/Endurance Exercise 
• Core Strengthening 
• Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy 
• Electrotherapeutic Modalities
• Gait or Walking Training 
• Isometric Exercise 
• Knee Active Range of Motion 
• Knee Joint Mobilization 
• Knee Resistive Range of Motion 
• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation 
• Proprioception Exercises 
• Physical Agents
• Stretching/Flexibility Exercise 

Possible Treatment Goals

• Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
• Improve Fitness
• Improve Function
• Improve Muscle Strength and Power
• Increase Oxygen to Tissues
• Improve Proprioception
• Improve Range of Motion
• Self-care of Symptoms
• Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities

Additional Resources

• 3d Anatomy of the Knee
• Knee Info from Medline Plus
• Kneecap Pain