What is Anterior Knee Pain? Anterior knee pain, often referred to as patellar maltracking syndrome or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is one of the most common knee conditions seen in young adults and active individuals. It is characterised by pain around or behind the kneecap (patella), particularly during activities that place increased stress through the knee joint. Common aggravating activities include: Walking up or down stairs Squatting Kneeling Running Walking uph