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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffIn adolescents and young adults, patellofemoral pain often is caused by muscle weakness, overuse or injury. Sometimes an unusual alignment of the kneecap is responsible. For older adults, patellofemoral pain may be related to arthritis of the knee joint — which causes cartilage to lose its normal shock-absorbing ability. Weak thigh and hip muscles or flat feet also may contribute to the pain. Even something as simple as worn-out or ill-fitting shoes can contribute to patellofemoral pain.
