Do you have any problems with your kneecap?

A painful patella can be due to chronic conditions or more acute problems such as a contusion. A contusion is otherwise known as a bruise, which can be a result of a direct blow to the knee.

On the other hand, a chronic painful knee cap can be due to the fact that you might have some twisted or otherwise injured cartilage in your knee. This is a condition that more commonly afflicts athletes, especially runners or basketball players, for example. The treatment will typically extend over a longer period of time for a cartilage injury because it is typically harder to heal.

Irrespective of how your knee ailment was caused, a painful patella can effectively stop you from participating in some of your favorite activities. Likewise, the knee discomfort can prevent you from doing the things that you need to do as well.

Diagnosis of a Painful Knee Cap

Whether you have been suffering from knee problems for less than a few weeks or you have chronic knee pain, it is important that you should talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Painful knee caps can be caused by several different factors and you should not attempt to make this diagnosis yourself.

Your physician will typically do a manual examination of your knee and will ask you about a previous history of knee ailments. They may also ask you about your recent activities so as to assess the situation accurately. Very often, an X-Ray will have to be taken before an accurate diagnosis can be made and only then can the proper course of treatment be determined.

Treatment of a Painful Patella

Rest and ice have remained constants as at home remedies. These two forms of treatment can help reduce knee pain and swelling that is caused by a knee injury. Although they can be helpful treatment methods, you have to ask yourself if the combination of the two will help your knee if you have a more serious injury. Rest is always helpful in this regard, but how many of us can stay at home these days and rest our knees for 6-8 weeks at a time? - The answer is "less than 1 %".

A knee brace is one of the most effective ways to help treat a painful knee cap. A knee brace can help support your knee whether you have a chronic knee pain issue or you if you suffered an acute injury. These effective supports can help your knee maintain proper alignment and reduce your knee pain as well due to the meaningful stability that they provide.

In the end, you should also speak with your doctor if you are having knee pain issues. Heed their advice on your particular activity levels as well.