Pain at the front of the knee is often due to problems from the kneecap (i.e. patellofemoral joint). This can be due to a number of causes. In young females, the most common causes are:
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Chondromalacia patella
1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when nerves sense pain and inflammation in the soft tissues and bone around the kneecap.
In some cases it can be caused by a sudden change in physical activity, improper sports technique or Changes in footwear or playing surface.
Abnormal tracking of the kneecap due to problems in alignment between the hip and ankle, the shape of the groove that the kneecap sits in (trochlear dysplasia), and muscular imbalance / weakness especially of the quadriceps muscles (at the front of the thigh) may contribute to patellofemoral pain syndrome.
2. Chondromalacia patella
Chondromalacia patella is a softening and degeneration of the articular cartilage of the patellofemoral joint as a result of overuse, injury, or abnormal joint mechanics.It may coexist with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
I recommend that you consult a qualified medical specialist who will examine your knees for the above problems and obtain an X-ray.
Initially your doctor may recommend simple painkillers, and refer you to physiotherapy.
For the previously described conditions, surgery is rarely necessary.
