Anterior knee pain is a general term for patellar tendinopathy, maltracking of the patella, and chondromalacia patella. There may be problems in the pelvis and hip that contribute to anterior knee pain, such as pelvis imbalances, tight iliotibial bands (ITB) and quadriceps, and weakness of the hip abductor/external rotator muscles (Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus, Piriformis). This needs to be addressed in conjunction with weakness of the quadriceps, especially the vastus medialis oblique (VMO). Problems with proprioception and balance will usually need to be addressed as well. Using acupuncture/dry needling, myofascial release or manual therapy on the ITB, hip and thigh muscles can help to speed your recovery.
If you have poor foot biomechanics, exercises to improve your foot muscle strength and control can help but for some people, off the shelf insoles or podiatiust made insoles may be required. Strengthening for the invertors and evertors of the foot can be helpful for improving your foot biomechanics. The foot invertors and evertors should have equal strength to improve your balance and control and help with knee pain
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is verey helpful for resolving patellar tendinopathy (tendinitis) along with a graded increases in loading the knee and patellar tendon. Strapping for the patella (knee cap) or using specific knee supports can help with maltracking of the patella pain while you strengthen the muscles of your hip, thigh and foot. This can be done with either rigid tape of flexible K Tape. This does eventually irritate your skin, so if continued taping is needed, a knee support that controls your knee cap will be needed.
If you have anterior knee pain, book an appointment with e-physiotherapy Edinburgh.