A lot of us have knee pain issues. Pain above knee cap when bending knee is also a common discomfort among many. We have a few facts on knee discomfort, in the following content.

The knees are the motion junctions of your body. Most of the important movements are borne by these two complicated joint caps of bones. When the knees pain, almost all your mobile tasks that have movement are constrained, and you cannot walk or even sit easily. The pain certainly is frustrating and sometimes unbearable. The knee is an important joint where the upper leg meets the lower leg bones. It consists of three parts, mainly, femur which is the upper leg bone, tibia which is the large bone of the lower leg, and patella which is the knee cap. There are muscles, tendons and ligaments that complete the knee, which enable various movement functions and gives stability to the knees. A pain in the knee can be caused by injury, accident, or excess wear and tear of the joints, ligaments and tendons of the knee. Other medical complications like arthritis, infections and gout can also lead to pain and injury to the knees. A lot of athletes too suffer from knee pain, and it is not only age that invites physical and orthodontic problems. Knee pain is the most common pain in the United States. Most of the time, we opt for home remedies and rely on painkillers and lotions for relief. Sometimes, pain on the knee cap can get quite serious if not treated on time. More than the pain, it is also the helplessness of not being able to perform routine activities that can frustrate and highly disturb an individual.

Knee Pain Above Knee Cap
The following is a list of the various conditions of the knee that may cause pain above the patella when bending the knee. Let's take a look.


Quad Tendonitis

Description: Quad Tendonitis is a condition where the quadriceps tendons suffer inflammation and irritation. A lot of stress and activity on the quadriceps muscles leads to this condition.

Symptoms: Pain above knee cap while bending knee and swelling are common symptoms, a burning or warm sensation on the knee area. Stiffness, specially when working out or in the morning and a tender feeling that gradually increases as you move your knee.

Treatment: Treatment includes home remedies like giving proper rest to the knee, that will repair the tendons and reduce inflammation. Using an ice pack over the swelling or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. In case of severe symptoms, it is best to see a doctor.


Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Description: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a knee problem that is most common. In this case, overuse and stress on the knee causes the pain in the front area of the knee. The lack of smooth tracking between the joints of the knee or any impact or injury on the front of the knee cap can cause this pain.

Symptoms: Symptoms include pain in and around the knee cap, increased pain when-in any activity or sitting in one position for a long time, mild swelling. A popping or snapping sound of the knee cap.

Treatment: Treatment for this condition stresses mainly on exercising and stretching. Using ice packs and drugs to reduce pain, taping and bracing the knee for better support, and stabilization and also special footwear, helps.


Chondromalacia Patellae

Description: Chondromalacia Patellae can be defined as softening or wearing off or blistering of the cartilage under the knee cap. The cartilage that ensures smooth movement of joints when bending, tends to rub against the joint causing sharp knee pain and discomfort.

Symptoms: The symptoms include pain and discomfort during activities involving bending of the knee. Swelling, tightness or fullness in the knee area after prolonged sitting in one position.

Treatment: Treatments suggest avoiding activities that will stress the patella. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory drugs, massaging oil on the affected area, certain exercises and activities can also help in dealing with pain. Severe pain may require medical treatment.


Kneecap Dislocation or Dislocated Patella

Description: Kneecap Dislocation or Dislocated Patella is mainly caused because of any injury or accident that dislocates the patella (knee cap) from its usual position. It can also be caused due to a development abnormality in the body. A family history of dislocation also can cause dislocated patella.

Symptoms: The symptoms are pain in the front area of the knee, specially when bending the knee. Stiffness and swelling in the knee, bruising and redness in the affected area. Cracking sounds in the knee when bending is also a symptom.

Treatment: The treatment usually depends on the severity of the dislocation. Surgery is usually prescribed if the injury is severe. In mild cases, resting the knee and keeping it stabilized with a brace or splint, therapy to strengthen the knee, and also other mild exercises can be advised.


Fractured Patella

Description: A fractured patella causes pain and discomfort when bending the knee. It mainly defines a fracture or injury to the knee cap that causes the pain. A fall or an accident straight on the knee is the major cause. It can be sub categorized in partial fracture, total fracture or a fracture dealing with many pieces of the knee cap. Fractures will be accompanied with damaging the ligaments and tendons, resulting in pain and sprains.

Symptoms: The symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Difficulty in straightening and bending the knee, visible deformity of the patella are some of the symptoms.

Treatment: Treatment can be advised only after checking the fracture and severity. If the fracture is mild, a non surgical treatment will be advised, like a leg cast or a knee immobilizer. However, in case of a severe fracture, surgery can fix the fracture.


Any injury or discomfort should be treated on time by consulting a medical expert. The freedom to mobility is the most precious ability we possess. A little knee-conscious routine and exercise is all that it takes to have healthy and pain-free knees.