What are the possible causes of lower kneecap pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lower kneecap pain is often caused by injury or irritation to the cartilage, tendon, or the way the kneecap tracks along the knee joint. The most common causes include chondromalacia patella (softening of the cartilage under the kneecap), patellofemoral pain syndrome (also known as "runner's knee"), and patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee). Symptoms may include aching below the kneecap, pain when squatting or climbing stairs, and discomfort after prolonged sitting.

Because these conditions can look similar but require different treatments, identifying the underlying cause early is key to a faster recovery and avoiding long-term damage. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your knee pain and get personalized guidance on the best next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of lower kneecap pain See if your kneecap pain needs care Find out what’s causing knee pain Explore OTC relief for knee pain Find a doctor for kneecap pain Learn medically proven home remedies for knee pain Understand if knee pain signals something serious

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Explanation

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. If you're experiencing knee pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, try our free symptom checker to help identify potential conditions and guide your next steps in seeking appropriate medical care.

(References)

Updated 2023 Apr 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459195/
Updated 2023 Feb 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557657/
Updated 2023 Apr 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532969/

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