What Are the Possible Causes of Lower Kneecap Pain?

There are several reasons you might feel pain under your kneecap. One cause is chondromalacia patella, also called runner's knee,which happens when the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap is damaged or softened. This can make the surface less smooth and lead to pain when you move your knee. Knee pain also happens when the kneecap does not move properly over the knee joint. It can result from muscle imbalances or alignment issues. Jumper's knee, or patellar tendinopathy, affects the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shin. This injury often comes from repetitive jumping or sports that put a lot of stress on your knees. All of these conditions can create discomfort around the lower kneecap and may need proper care and rest to heal. It’s important to remember that this information is for educational purposes, and if you have pain, you should talk to a healthcare professional.