Knee Cap Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Medically Reviewed

Introduction

Kneecap pain, often called Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) or "runner's knee," is common in people who run and who play sports that involve running and jumping. 

There are several causes, such as repeated stress on the knee joint (the largest joint in your body), muscle imbalances or weaknesses, trauma to the kneecap or knee surgery. Patellofemoral pain syndrome generally worsens over time if it’s not diagnosed and treated. If not treated, PFPS may also increase your injury risk. 

Hence, if you are experiencing pain:

• in the front of your knee
• when you bend your knees to squat or climb stairs
• when you stand up after sitting with your knees bent for a long time
• in changing your playing or training surface
• sitting with a bent knee for long periods of time.

Contact knee pain specialist or an orthopedic specialist for the accurate diagnosis and treatment (which can range from physical therapy, patellar taping, and medication to surgery).

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What is Kneecap Pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term used to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the patella, or kneecap. It is sometimes known as "runner's knee." 

Although it is common in individuals who participate in sports — especially females and young adults—PFPS can happen in non-athletes as well.

Let's Breakdown the Term “Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome."

"Patellofemoral" combines "patella" (kneecap) and "femoral" (thigh bone, or femur). It describes the joint where these bones meet. 

"Pain Syndrome" indicates a collection of symptoms centered on discomfort, not a single disease, often from irritation in that joint or surrounding tissues.

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Kneecap Pain Causes

Patellofemoral pain syndrome happens when nerves sense pain in the soft tissues and bone around the kneecap. These soft tissues consist of tendons, the fat pad beneath the patella, and the synovial tissue that lines the knee joint.

Here are the several factors that can trigger patellofemoral pain syndrome:

Risk Factors

Some groups of people are more likely to experience it, such as:

• Athletes who run, jump or squat a lot
• People who do physical work
• Females
• Teenagers
• Adults ages 20 to 40

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Kneecap Pain Symptoms

Here are the common symptoms of runner's knee:

• Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee.
• Pain during exercise and activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, or squatting.
• Pain after sitting with a bent knee for long periods of time.
• Pain related to a change in activity level or intensity, playing surface, or equipment.
• You can hear popping or crackling sounds in your knee when climbing stairs or when standing up after sitting for a long time.

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Kneecap Pain (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) Treatment Options

Before curating a treatment plan, your doctor can order a few tests to know the  cause of your pain and to rule out any other physical problems. These includes:

• Physical examination.
• Ask you to move or use your knees or they may bend and straighten your knee or have you walk, run, jump or squat.
• Conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. X-ray to rule out damage to the bones that make up the knee. An MRI scan gives clear images of the body’s soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

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After the proper diagnosis, the following treatment options can be recommended:

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Conclusion

Do not let your kneecap pain lower the quality of life, mobility, and physical activity levels. With the early diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted rehabilitation exercises, you can live an active, healthy life. 

FAQs

Q1: Can knee cap pain go away on its own?
A: Yes, mild cases of kneecap pain go away on their own through following tips:

• Rest the knee as much as possible.
• Try not to engage in things that increase the pain, such as climbing stairs, kneeling or squatting.

However, if the pain persists, consult your doctor for the accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause. 

Q2: How long does it take for knee cap pain to heal?
A: Most individuals require a month or two to recover from runner’s knee. Your physical therapist or orthopedic specialist will give you a timeline based on your unique needs, strength and activity level.

Q3: Can I prevent patellofemoral pain syndrome?
A: Yes, through following prevention tips:

• Build strong leg and hip muscles.
• Wear the right protective equipment for example, shoes that fit well.
• Learn exercises to help you jump, run and turn correctly.
• Stretch and warm up (especially your quad muscles) before playing sports or working out.
• Allow your body to take rest and recover after intense activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight.