Final answer:
Discomfort from a fractured patella would be felt in the knee joint, particularly during activities that strain the knee. Pain can be due to improper patellar tracking or potential damage to joint surfaces. Treatment involves rest and quadriceps strengthening exercises.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person with a fractured patella can expect discomfort in the knee area. This is due to the patella, or kneecap, being a crucial component in the knee joint, which is part of the femoropatellar joint involving the articulation between the patella and the distal femur. When the patella is fractured, activities that would normally involve the quadriceps femoris muscle, such as walking, running, or knee bending, can become painful.
The pain associated with a patellar fracture can range from a dull, aching discomfort to severe pain, especially when engaging in activities that put stress on the knee joint. In the presence of an imbalance in the pull of the medial and lateral quadriceps, there can be abnormal tracking of the patella, resulting in additional discomfort and, over time, potential damage to the patella and femur surfaces. General treatment for Runner's Knee and related conditions includes rest from the activities causing discomfort, followed by a gradual return to exercise and proper strengthening of the quadriceps to prevent future injuries.