Anterior knee pain

• Characterised as dull aching pain at the front of the knee
• May be activity related/aggravated on stairs, squatting, kneeling
• Feeling knee may give way but doesn't (pseudo-giving way)
• Possible crepitus felt around patella

• Anterior knee pain is a common condition where pressure or pull on the patella from a variety of causes result in pain under the patella often radiating to the back of the knee.
• It can limit any movement where the patella has to track up and down the knee such as stairs, hills and squatting and kneeling
• It is best managed by strengthening and stretching the structures around the knee particularly the VMO muscle in the quadriceps in order to add support to the knee and reduce pain
• If the patella does sublux due to ligament instability this may need referral to specialist MSK services.

Management

• Core Strengthening Exercise recommended for 3-6 months found on NHS Inform
• Analgesia when required
• Weight management advice if applicable
• Can advise use of patella strap if pain impeding ability to work

• Weight management programme if applicable
• MSK Services for further specialist help if failure to improve with core strengthening and analgesia with a strong emphasis on physiotherapy being the mainstay of treatment for this condition.