Is your knee starting to do strange things? Does it make cracking noises when you get up after sitting for a while? Are you having new pains when climbing stairs? Perhaps you have a dull ache in the front of your knee even if you aren’t doing anything. All these symptoms could be new to you, and you want to know: what is causing my kneecap pain?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
PFPS refer to pain around the front of the knee or around the patella known as the kneecap. It is sometimes called runner’s knee and is common with athletes, but you don’t have to run marathons to suffer from the pain.
Common Causes of Kneecap Pain
Of course, age always plays a part with any joint pain.
Other causes include the following:
Overuse
Walking, running, kneeling, squatting, and jumping can lead to kneecap pain. Certain sports can induce this syndrome.
Blow To The Knee
A fall or injury to the knee can cause kneecap pain.
Softened Cartilage
Known as Chondromalacia patella, this softened cartilage on the back of the knee can lead to inflammation and bone-on-bone contact causing pain.
Muscle Imbalance
The thigh, hip, and knee work together to keep the kneecap in place and aligned. If these muscles are not equally strong, it can pull the kneecap inward or outward causing pain.
Best Treatments For Kneecap Pain
First and foremost, cease doing whatever activity seems to be causing the pain. Maybe choose activities that will put less strain on the knee like swimming or using a stationary bike.
R.I.C.E. is best for this type of pain. Rest your knee, use ice for 20 minute periods, wrap the knee for some compression, and elevate your knee(s) above your heart.
Use over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
If those at-home changes do not reduce your pain, it is time to consult OrthoNY at one of their locations in the Capital Region.
If your pain is due to an injury, bracing or splinting may help align the joint. Custom foot orthotics inserted into your shoes can stabilize the foot and knee. Physical therapy might be recommended.
If none of these treatments are successful at reducing your kneecap pain, arthroscopic or realignment surgery may be needed.
Contact OrthoNY at (518) 489-2663, or request an appointment online, if your kneecap pain does not resolve after completing at-home treatments.