The patella is located along the front of the knee, and is a common site for knee pain especially in young, active teens and adults. The majority of individuals with patella associated knee pain will improve without surgery. Let us help you identify the cause of your knee pain and partner with you to help you recover.
Patella (kneecap)
The patella is the bony prominence located along the front of the knee. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and patellar tendonitis (Jumper’s knee) are common causes of anterior knee pain in young, healthy, and active adults. PFPS is among the most common conditions seen by a sports medicine specialist. Both PFPS and patellar tendonitis are frequently related to overuse.
Pain associated with PFPS commonly occurs with weight bearing activity like running, walking up or down stairs, or jumping activity. Patellar tendonitis commonly flares up with running and jumping sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer are common sports to develop this problem.
While it can be quite painful and difficult to treat, there are many effective ways to treat this condition. At our Sports Health Northwest, we recognize that our Portland patients are very active in ways such as hiking and running that can increase their risk for PFP and patellar tendonitis.
Our sports injury clinic focuses on determining the underlying cause of patella pain and helping guide our patients through the treatment process focusing on exercise-based treatments such as stretching and strengthening as well as other non-surgical treatments that remain the foundation of managing and improving the symptoms associated with PFP and patella tendonitis.
The majority of individuals with patella associated knee pain will improve without surgery. Let us help you identify the cause of your knee pain and partner with you to help you recover.
