The patello-femoral joint (the joint between the kneecap and the thigh bone-called the femur) is a problematic area for many. Excessive forces on the underside of the kneecap (causing painful stress on the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap), quadriceps tendinitis/tendinosis and patellar tendonitis/tendinosis are three common causes of pain in the front of the knee. Chondromalacia (softening of the cartilage) patella is also a common diagnosis for anterior knee pain.
Overuse and poor hip strength are often associated with these conditions. These conditions can be managed with physical therapy, taping/bracing of the knee and hip, and with the appropriate eccentric and hip stabilization exercises per your therapist's recommendations.
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