Kneecap (Patella) Problems in General

Kneecap problems are common at any age and have many different causes, sometimes occurring in several members of the same family. Sometimes the kneecap pain is caused by muscle tightness and or weakness around the knee and is not caused by a problem inside the knee joint. Pain around the kneecap can also be referred pain from hip or back.
The problem usually begins as pain around the kneecap especially on bending activities such as stairs, squats, lifting, getting up after sitting and walking on slopes. Sometimes it begins as grinding or crunching on bending or as general swelling of the knee. Occasionally it begins as referred pain into the back of the knee or as a swelling in the back of the knee (Bakers or popliteal cyst).
The problem does not always get worse but an increase in symptoms can mean the condition is progressing.
It will usually be necessary to perform some tests to help work out the problem. Standard X-rays, arthrogram, CT scan, MRI scan, bone scan, ultra sound scan and laboratory analysis of joint fluid are some of the tests that might be used.
Treatment options also vary widely from condition to condition. These are discussed individually in the specific conditions.
Non surgical management may involve simple activity modification (reducing or eliminating bending activities), weight loss and occasional pain relief or anti-inflammatory tablets. Physiotherapy and taping or bracing techniques will often improve or fix the problem.
Surgical approaches should only be used in significant and/or progressive cases where non-operative treatment has not helped. It is very important for people with kneecap pain problems to understand that sometimes their problem will not be able to be fully fixed! One thing that really makes kneecap problems worse is being significantly overweight.
There is a large group of causes of this problem which are further discussed in common complaints. These include Chondromalacia Patella, Dysplasia, Plicas & Fat Pad, Subluxation/Dislocation, Maltracking, Fracture & Inflamation of the kneecap.