Kneecap Pain

The kneecap or patella is a rounded bone on the front of each knee. Being at the center of an important weight-bearing joint, several injuries can cause pain around the kneecap.

  1. Dislocation

    • Dislocation occurs when the kneecap moves out of its normal position in the front of the knee, which is likely to be accompanied by severe pain as the ligaments and tendons around the kneecap are strained.

    Tendinitis

    • Tendinitis is an inflammation and irritation of a tendon; tendinitis around the kneecap is common among athletes who constantly run, jump and change directions.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful swelling of a joint that can lead to a decrease in range of motion and stiffness of the knee joint.

    Grinding

    • If the cartilage between the patella and the femur is worn down or the patella is not aligned properly, it can irritate the tissue around the kneecap and cause tenderness and pain. Kneecap grinding is often the result of osteoarthritis, a condition in which cartilage wears out over time.

    Treatment

    • An injured kneecap should be rested until pain dissipates. Specific treatment will depend on the cause of pain, but stretching and strengthening exercises can help stabilize the kneecap and may help prevent pain and injury.