What is Anterior Knee Pain?
Pain in the front of the knee, experienced when going up or down stairs, getting out of the car after a short trip, or walking downhill, can often indicate problems originating from the kneecap.
As a result of excessive load on the knees, the cartilage of the kneecap softens over time and the nerve endings under the cartilage become more visible, causing anterior knee pain. In anterior knee pain, which can be seen at any age, if the first step taken after sitting for a long time is painful, if the person has difficulty getting up from where they sit, or if there are sounds when they move their knees, caution should be exercised. It should also be known that kneecap degeneration can develop without any pain, and the pain may occur later.
When walking downhill or descending stairs, the front of the knee, the kneecap and the femur come too close to each other, and if there is an imbalance in this process, pain occurs. Sitting for a long time with the knee bent will also create pressure on the kneecap, so the person will feel pain when they move.
It is frequently seen in people who work by squatting or on their knees. Here, housewives are at the top of the list. The cause of this pain may be a structural disorder of the kneecap, the thigh muscles on the upper part of the knee or the tendon below, the ligaments holding the kneecap to the midline, or a recent simple trauma. When the pressure on the kneecap is different and the cartilage softens early, “chondromalacia” develops, which causes degeneration.
Sitting on a low stool puts excessive pressure on the kneecap. While it is not a problem normally, it can cause problems in people with ligament tension, muscle weakness or people whose kneecap is slightly higher than normal, that is, people who cannot fix their kneecap in the midline. In addition, walking on hard surfaces or asphalt for athletic purposes puts excessive pressure on the kneecap. If possible, a suitable ground should be found for walking, walking trails, forest land or flexible grounds suitable for walking should be preferred.
How to Prevent Anterior Knee Pain?
Reducing the effects of anterior knee pain is mostly in the hands of the person himself. Lifestyle changes should be made before medication, surgery or physical therapy. Therefore;
- Western toilets should be used instead of Turkish style toilets.
- Eating should not be done on the floor, one should sit at the table.
- Sitting habits such as bending the leg and placing it under the hip should be avoided.
- If possible, elevators should be preferred, especially when going down stairs.
- Whenever possible, flat roads should be preferred rather than slopes.
Anterior Knee Pain Surgery
Patients have been applying to the doctor with severe knee pain that has been bothering them for a long time or accompanied by swelling. In anterior knee pain, first of all, correct diagnosis is very important. The kneecap is evaluated by the doctor and the movements of the kneecap are observed with x-rays taken from different angles. In patients where the cartilage is thought to be damaged, an MRI is requested in the subsequent process. In patients presenting with severe pain and swelling, an anti-inflammatory drug is given to increase the patient's comfort in the initial phase of treatment. After the inflammation is suppressed, the physical therapy process begins. Physical therapy is very important, especially if there is a muscle imbalance or muscle strength imbalance. If the kneecap is seen to move too much to the side, patients are given knee braces that control the movements of the kneecap. If the desired results are not obtained from all of these, surgical treatment may be needed.
Kneecap External Rotation
If the imbalance of the ligaments of the kneecap is particularly evident, a surgical procedure called arthroscopic release is performed, which takes about half an hour. The tense outer ligaments are surgically loosened. Surgery to change the location of the kneecap is generally preferred for people with severe pain and cartilage damage whose kneecaps have started to bulge outward. The healing process varies from patient to patient. Some patients may be restricted and their legs may be immobilized with external devices for a while.
What are the main causes of anterior knee pain?
Common causes of anterior knee pain include:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Misalignment or cartilage damage between the kneecap and thighbone.
- Chondromalacia patella: Softening and deterioration of the kneecap cartilage.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the kneecap.
- Trauma: Injuries resulting from blows to the knee or falls.
Who is more likely to experience anterior knee pain?
Anterior knee pain is more common in the following groups:
- Young athletes: Especially those who are active in sports such as running, basketball and football.
- Women: Due to anatomical and hormonal differences.
- Overweight individuals: As a result of increased load on the knee joint.
- People who sit or squat for long periods of time: Due to constant pressure being applied to the kneecap.
What are the symptoms of anterior knee pain?
- Pain when going up and down stairs: Pain felt in the front of the knee, especially when descending stairs.
- Pain when getting up after sitting for a long time: Also known as the “throat sign,” it is a feeling of pain and stiffness in the knee when standing up after sitting for a long time.
- Crepitation in the knee: A cracking or grinding sound is heard when the knee is moved.
- Swelling: Mild swelling around the kneecap.
How is anterior knee pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with listening to the patient's complaints and physical examination. If necessary, imaging methods such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) may be used.
What are the treatment methods for anterior knee pain?
- Rest: Avoiding activities that trigger pain.
- Ice application: Applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
- Physiotherapy: Exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the knee and increase flexibility.
- Drug therapy: Using painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Orthopedic supports: Using supportive products such as knee pads or insoles.
- Surgical intervention: When other treatment methods fail, arthroscopic surgery or other surgical procedures may be considered.
What can be done to prevent anterior knee pain?
- Regular exercise: Doing exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee and increase flexibility.
- Choosing the right shoes: Wearing supportive shoes that fit your foot structure.
- Avoiding excess weight: Excess weight puts extra load on the knee joint.
- Correct use of technique: Using correct movement techniques when doing sports or daily activities.
- Avoiding prolonged sitting: Avoid sitting for long periods of time, especially with your knees bent.
In what cases should a doctor be consulted for anterior knee pain?
- Severe or persistent pain: Pain that does not go away despite rest and home treatments.
- Significant swelling in the knee: Especially swelling that starts suddenly and does not go away.
- Limited movement: Loss of motion or a feeling of locking in the knee.
- Knee instability: A feeling of insecurity or emptiness in the knee.
