Anterior knee pain | Right Decisions

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Signs/symptoms

Characterised as dull aching pain at the front of the knee
May be activity related/aggravated on stairs, squatting, kneeling
Feeling knee may give way but doesn't (pseudo-giving way)
Possible crepitus felt around patella

Primary care management

Anterior knee pain is a common condition where pressure or pull on the patella from a variety of causes result in pain under the patella often radiating to the back of the knee.
It can limit any movement where the patella has to track up and down the knee such as stairs, hills and squatting and kneeling
It is best managed by strengthening and stretching the structures around the knee particularly the VMO muscle in the quadriceps in order to add support to the knee and reduce pain
If the patella does sublux due to ligament instability this may need referral to specialist MSK services.

Management

Core Strengthening Exercise recommended for 3-6 months found on NHS Inform
Analgesia when required
Weight management advice if applicable
Can advise use of patella strap if pain impeding ability to work

Refer

Weight management programme if applicable
MSK Services for further specialist help if failure to improve with core strengthening and analgesia with a strong emphasis on physiotherapy being the mainstay of treatment for this condition.

Last reviewed: 11/12/2024

Next review date: 11/12/2026

Reviewer name(s): Ruth Bell.