What Are the Main Causes of Patella Pain?

Patella pain most often stems from damage to cartilage, injury, or inflammation caused by arthritis, bursitis, or gout. The knee is one of the most common joints in the human body affected by pain from overuse, overload, or degenerative disease. Patella pain more often affects people who run, climb hills, or play sports that put pressure on the kneecap. People with flat feet or an overly high arch might be more prone to knee injuries that cause pain.

Chondromalacia describes a condition where cartilage under the patella becomes damaged and soft. It appears more often in young females because their knee caps tend to be smaller. People with this disorder might experience stiffness and patella pain after sitting for a prolonged period of time or when climbing stairs. Treatment consists of ice to reduce inflammation and pain medication.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome develops from overusing the knee joint and actually produces physical changes in the joint. As the knee moves up and down and rotates in the femoral groove, it might start rubbing against the thigh bone. The condition might get worse when athletes run on uneven ground or down hills. These activities overload the joint and could cause patella pain.

The syndrome sometimes shows up in people who have flat feet, which permit the kneecap to rotate improperly. They typically lack adequate support in the feet to allow the knee joint to operate at the proper angle. An excessively high arch might also provoke problems with how the knee works, especially in runners who put frequent stress on the joint. Doctors typically recommend good shoes with proper support to reduce the risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Another reason this disorder might develop stems from weak thigh muscles. If these muscles become stiff or weak, they might not provide needed support for the kneecap. Physical therapy that includes quadriceps exercises is typically suggested for patients experiencing patella pain from chrondromalacia and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Physicians also recommend resting the joint and applying ice to reduce swelling and pain. Taping the knee and using braces might help some patients.

The patella represents a complex joint that bears a person's weight while walking or performing more rigorous movement. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone with cartilage between the two bones. Ligaments on the outer and inner portions of the kneecap keep the joint stable during movement. Fluid in the joint helps provide cushioning to reduce friction during use. Large thigh muscles aid movement of the knee, while hamstrings at the back of the legs permit the patella to flex.

Injury or deterioration of any of these components can lead to patella pain. Inflammation of the joint from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis also might produce patella pain. Swelling might lead to fluid accumulating at the back of the knee, making simple movement difficult. Bursitis affects the front of the kneecap and might require cortisone shots in some cases.