8 potential causes for pain above the kneecap

Knee joints are complex and they support the full weight of our bodies every day. Injuries and conditions that cause pain near your knees can affect your gait and balance, or the way you walk and carry yourself. The opposite is also true: Gait and balance problems can cause knee pain. That’s one reason why it’s important to find out what’s going on and see a physical therapist for treatment. 

The patella, or kneecap, is a thick piece of cartilage that covers the joint where different bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage come together. The knee joint is also cushioned by bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, and synovial cavities containing synovial fluid. There are several different intersecting parts that can cause pain just above the kneecap, and injuries can happen both in a moment and over long periods of time.

Physical therapy is an effective option to treat soft tissue or musculoskeletal pain. A physical therapist will be able to provide some treatments that alleviate your knee pain. They’ll develop a personalized treatment plan with techniques and exercises chosen specifically for you. There’s no substitute for seeing a professional when it comes to musculoskeletal pain.

This article will cover some conditions and injuries that can cause pain above the kneecap. 

What causes pain above the kneecap?

There are several different conditions and injuries that can cause pain above the kneecap. These can happen because of overuse, repetitive motions, an impact injury or simply aging. The anatomy directly above the kneecap includes the quadriceps tendon, bursae or fluid-filled sacs under the skin that cushion the knee joint, and the end of the femur. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) also attaches at the front of the femur behind the patella, so injuries to it can cause pain above the knee.

There are some trends and patterns in the types of knee pain complaints among men and women of different ages. For instance, the demographic group that visits the emergency room most for knee injuries are athletes aged 15 to 24. People over age 65 are most likely to injure their knee on a structure in their home, like stairs or landings. Across all population groups, strains and sprains are the most common diagnoses for knee pain.

8 potential causes for pain above the kneecap

It’s possible to injure your knee without knowing it. If you’re not sure when you injured your knee, there’s a chance the problem developed over time. Wearing high heels or loose-fitting shoes can cause knee injuries. Jobs that require a lot of kneeling or crouching can also cause knee injuries from wear and overuse. Employers can support their teams by providing ergonomic assessments and employee health workshops.

Pay attention to when you notice your knee pain the most and write down some words that describe the type of pain you’re feeling. Also track any other symptoms you have like swelling, crunching or popping sounds, redness, and limited range of motion so you can help your doctor or physical therapist make an informed assessment.

The following are eight of the most common conditions that can cause pain above the kneecap:

• Quadriceps tendinitis — The muscle at the front of your thigh is the quadriceps, and the quadriceps tendon attaches it to the end of the femur. This muscle can become inflamed from overuse, resulting in pain above the kneecap.
• Hamstring tendinitis — The hamstring attaches to the back of the thigh just above the knee. If you’re feeling pain above the back side of your knee, it could be a strained hamstring tendon.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome — This is a broad term used to describe pain around the front of the knee joint resulting from damage to the cartilage under the kneecap. It’s sometimes called “runner’s knee” because runners commonly get this type of injury from overuse.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear — The ACL is a short, thin strip of ligament inside the knee joint that holds the tibia in place behind the femur. If it’s twisted or torn where it connects to the femur, it can cause pain directly above the knee.
• Iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndrome — The iliotibial band or IT band is made of flexible fascia that runs down the outside of the quadriceps and attaches to the outside of the knee joint. Cyclists, runners and athletes who make a lot of repetitive leg movements can feel irritation where the IT band connects to the knee from overuse.
• Bursitis — As mentioned above, bursae are sacs of fluid around the knee joint that cushion outward-facing bones, tendons and muscles. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain above the knee when walking or bending your leg.
• Torn meniscus — The menisci are rubbery discs of cartilage inside the knee joint that create a cushion between the femur and the tibia. These can be torn when the knee is forcefully twisted, for instance, when a basketball player makes a fast pivot.
• Osteoarthritis — The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis happens when cartilage in the joints wears away. This is usually a result of aging.

When should I seek treatment for pain above the knee?

If you’ve injured your knee suddenly, there are some warning signs to stay aware of that indicate you should seek medical attention right away. Go to an urgent care or an emergency room if you heard a popping sound when you injured your knee, if your knee is swollen, if you can’t put weight on it or if the pain is intense.

For knee pain that develops over time or happens intermittently, you should see a professional if it doesn’t go away in a couple of weeks with at-home care or if your pain gets worse. You should also seek care if the pain is interfering with your daily activities.

If you’re noticing knee pain more while you’re at work, don’t wait to mention it to your employer. Prioritizing your health will result in the shortest amount of recovery time. You should be able to get physical therapy sessions covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. At Back in Motion Physical Therapy, we’ll be able to assess your current physical limitations and create a treatment plan to restore your flexibility, strength and endurance. 

Back in Motion Physical Therapy can treat pain above the kneecap

If you’re experiencing knee pain, you shouldn’t ignore it. There’s a chance that it could develop into a more serious injury. Sometimes a few physical therapy sessions is all it takes to identify the problem, get you feeling better, and help you learn how to keep your knee flexible and minimize pain.

It’s well worth your time to see a physical therapist for an initial evaluation. We offer free 15-minute screenings, and many people don’t know that health insurance plans often cover physical therapy. If your health insurance does cover physical therapy, you’ll get an assessment as part of your first session. 

We also offer telehealth physical therapy appointments to make prioritizing your health more convenient. You can chat with one of our licensed PTs from anywhere!

Ready to find out what’s causing your knee pain? Call us or request an appointment today.