Anterior knee pain

Knee pain felt at the front of the knee, around the kneecap, is called anterior knee pain orpatellofemoral pain syndrome.

It's not always obvious why this pain develops, but it's been linked to previous injuries, overuse of your knees, muscle weakness and your kneecap being slightly out of place.

The pain tends to be dull or aching and often affects both knees at the same time. It's usually made worse by sitting for prolonged periods, squatting or kneeling, or using stairs.

You can normally treat this yourselfusing ordinary painkillers, an ice pack andrest. Exercises to strengthen the muscles around your kneecap can also help. You may be referred to a physiotherapist , who can advise you about specific exercises to try.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018