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Anterior knee pain

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Runner's knee

First Aid:

Treatment of anterior knee pain involves resting the knee and not resuming running until it can be done without pain.

Stretching exercises for the hamstrings and quadriceps and strengthening exercises for the muscle that pulls the kneecap toward the center of the body may be prescribed by a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist. Bicycling may be substituted for other exercise if it can be done without pain.

Special shoe inserts and orthotics (support devices) may help prevent further injury after healing.

Do Not:

Do not perform deep knee bends or overuse the knee until symptoms resolve.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call your health care provider if knee pain persists in spite of resting the joint.

• Review Date: 10/23/2006
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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