Anterior/knee cap pain

Anterior knee pain (AKP) is pain felt at the front of the knee around the kneecap area. The exact location of the pain may be difficult to describe and there may not be an obvious reason as to why the pain has started. People who have AKP are likely to notice some or all of the following things:

• The exact onset of pain may not be obvious or relate to one specific event. The pain may have gradually built up over time.
• The exact area of pain is often difficult to define. Pain is usually felt somewhere around the front of the knee.
• People with AKP may feel that the knee collapses or gives way but this is usually as a result of muscle fatigue or pain and not due to an injury to the ligaments that stabilise the knee.
• People with AKP may notice a catching, seizing or clicking sensation during movements that involve bending the knee.
• Pain may be increased with activities that involve long periods of time spent with the knee in a bent position e.g. sitting, squatting and kneeling.
• Pain may be increased with going up or down stairs or steep hills.

Click on the link for more information about anterior knee pain and for exercise advice to help manage symptoms of anterior knee pain