What Are the Causes of Anterior Knee Pain?

Anterior knee pain (pain in the front side of the knee) is an issue that plagues many people, from athletes to office workers and homemakers. Because this pain occurs most frequently in runners, it is often referred to as "runner's knee." There are several causes of anterior knee pain, including a pulled muscle, arthritic, tendinitis, cartilage softening and knee cap displacement.

Pulled Muscle

When muscles around the knee, such as muscles as the base of the thigh or top of the calf, become pulled, the pain can sometimes center in the knee area. Pulled muscles are usually accompanied with a dull, aching pain, and usually heal within a week or two. Ongoing or recurring pain in the knee area is a sign that the cause is something more serious than a pulled muscle.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is when a tendon gets strained or inflamed. This can sometimes cause pain in the front of the knee, particularly if a tendon in the lower thigh or upper calf becomes pulled. Swelling and stiffness are generally associated with tendinitis. Tendinitis usually goes away after a few months. Symptoms lasting longer than a few months are usually indicative of a more severe problem, such as arthritis.

Arthritis

Arthritis in the knee is usually accompanied by localized pain and stiffness that worsens under pressure or physical activity. Arthritis occurs when joints become inflamed, and is typically seen in older people who suffer knee pain.

Displacement of the Knee Cap

Rotation of the knee cap or displacement (movement too high or too low) of the knee cap causes the knee cap to rub against the thigh bone or calf bone. When this happens, knee pain is usually centralized either just below or just above the center of the front of the knee.

Chrondomalacia Patellae

Chrondomalacia is the softening of cartilage. When the cartilage of the knee cap softens, movement and pressure on the knee isn't cushioned as well as usual, causing pain to emanate throughout the knee area. Chrondomalacia usually occurs in people older than 40.