What is patella pain?
Dr Yugal Karkhur
Created on: 16/02/2026
Answer
Patella pain refers to pain around or behind the kneecap (patella), usually caused by irritation, misalignment, or damage to the structures supporting the kneecap. It commonly affects people who run, climb stairs frequently, or perform repetitive knee-bending activities.
1. Causes
Patella pain often develops due to patellar misalignment, cartilage wear under the kneecap, overuse injuries, muscle imbalance, or direct trauma to the knee.
2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
One of the most common conditions associated with patella pain is patellofemoral pain syndrome, where the kneecap does not glide smoothly over the thigh bone.
3. Symptoms
People usually experience pain while climbing stairs, squatting, running, kneeling, or sitting for long periods with bent knees.
4. Treatment
Management includes physiotherapy, quadriceps strengthening, posture correction, knee bracing, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medication.