Patellar tracking disorder is an imbalance in the knee area that causes the kneecap (patella) to shift or tilt out of place as the leg bends or straightens. Symptoms include a dull ache under or around the kneecap, or a popping, grinding, slipping, or catching sensation in the kneecap as the knee bends or extends.
Other symptoms of a patellar tracking disorder include swelling of the knee or a buckling or "giving way" of the knee, where the knee suddenly fails to support body weight. A patellar tracking disorder may be caused by a combination of things, including:
Knee pain can be slow to heal. But most people who have patellar tracking disorder find relief with a few months of nonsurgical treatment, including rest from the aggravating activity, icing the knee, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). After 2 or 3 days of using ice, you can try heat to see if it helps. Physical therapy and bracing or taping the knee can also help to relieve knee pain. In chronic or severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap, restore normal tracking, and repair damage to the knee.
Symptoms include knee pain, especially when you squat, jump, kneel, or use stairs. You may feel popping, grinding, slipping, or catching in the kneecap when you bend or straighten it. Or you may feel that your knee is buckling or giving way, as though the knee suddenly can't support your weight.
Treatment can help to reduce your pain and to strengthen the muscles around your kneecap to help it stay in place. If you don't have severe pain, a week or two of rest and home care may help.
When your knee pain starts to decrease, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. A doctor or physical therapist can help you learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your leg and hip.
Your doctor or physical therapist may also suggest:
Patellar tracking disorder can be a frustrating problem, but be patient. Most people feel better after a few months of treatment. As a rule, the longer you have had this problem, the longer it will take to get better.
Surgery usually isn't needed.
A knee brace may help stabilize the knee and help prevent the kneecap from shifting.
You can take steps to prevent patellar tracking disorder.
Your doctor will ask about your past health and symptoms and do a physical exam. The doctor will feel, move, and look at your knee as you sit, stand, and walk. You may have an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI.
Home care may help to reduce your pain.
Patellar tracking disorder is usually caused by several problems combined, such as:
You are more likely to have patellar tracking disorder if you have any of the above problems and you are overweight, run, or play sports that require repeated jumping, knee bending, or squatting.
Patellar tracking disorder means that the kneecap (patella) shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. This is caused by an imbalance in the knee area. In most cases, the kneecap shifts too far toward the outside of the leg. In some people, it shifts toward the inside.
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