What Is Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome?

You may be suffering from anterior knee pain syndrome if climbing the stairs, sitting in a movie theater or going for a run results in pain in and around your knee. You rest it, ice it and try to stretch but are unable to find a solution to your discomfort. This problem is one of the most common complaints by elite athletes and every day exercisers alike and may also be called patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner's knee. It is a condition without a specific cause and is difficult to evaluate. Treatment options are varied and depend on individual factors.

Cause

• Anterior knee pain syndrome may be the result of various internal or external problems. Common causes are overuse, weak and inflexible quadriceps and hamstring muscles, a sudden change in intensity of your exercise regime, being overweight and flat feet. Some people may never experience anterior knee pain syndrome while others suffer on a daily basis. It is not clear what causes the pain and medical professionals are unable to point to a specific activity or bio-mechanical problem that result in anterior knee pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Anterior knee pain syndrome is not like a broken bone when you know immediately something is wrong. Anterior knee pain is gradual. You may begin to notice dull pain after sitting for an extended period of time, your knee may pop more frequently or you may experience sharp, shooting pain. Eventually the pain is persistent whenever activities are attempted that result in an overload on the knee joint, such as weight lifting or running, or require the knee to remain bent for a prolonged period of time.

Treatment

• Treatment is difficult, as there is not a clear cause to the pain. Generally, treatment is conservative and surgery is not recommended. A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, recommend strength and flexibility exercises for the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, arch supports for your shoes, losing weight, and/or temporarily refraining from exercising. Once the pain is less persistent you may gradually begin to exercise with more of an emphasis on non-impact activities like swimming or the elliptical machine.

Prevention/Solution

• Anterior knee pain is common among those who exercise frequently or with high intensity. It is difficult to prevent anterior knee pain. The ligaments around the knee are like shock absorbers but are not indestructible. To lessen damage to the knee, if participating in athletic activities, have proper footwear, stretch and listen to your body, as each person's ability threshold is different. If you have knee pain, ice after exercising and reduce the intensity for a few days to see if the pain lessens. If not currently exercising, the cause may be bio-mechanical or you may be overweight. To properly diagnose your symptoms, seek assistance from a doctor.

Considerations

• As with any pain or injury, it is best to seek the advice of a medical practitioner and not self-diagnose. While anterior knee pain is not life-threatening, it is important to rule out other serious problems. If you believe you may be suffering from anterior knee pain, make an appointment with your doctor.