Patellar Tracking DisorderTopic Overview
What is patellar tracking disorder? Patellar
tracking disorder occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts out of place as the
leg bends or straightens. In most cases, the kneecap shifts too far toward the
outside of the leg, although in a few people it shifts toward the
inside. Your knee joint is a complex hinge that joins the lower
leg bones (tibia and fibula) with the thighbone (femur). The kneecap is held in
place in the front of the knee joint by
tendons on the top and bottom and by
ligaments on the sides. A layer of
cartilage lines the underside of the kneecap, helping
it glide along the groove at the end of your thighbone. The
kneecap can shift or rotate off track if the groove is too shallow or if the
cartilage is damaged. Ligaments, tendons, or muscles that are too loose or too
tight may also lead to a misaligned kneecap. See a picture of the
knee joint  . What causes patellar tracking disorder? A
patellar tracking disorder is usually caused by
several problems combined. The shape of the patella; too tight or too loose
muscles and tendons in the leg, foot, or hip areas; and overuse may lead to
patellar tracking disorder. See a picture of the
muscles and tendons related to patellar tracking disorder . Also, a
severe blow to the inside of a healthy knee can knock a kneecap out of
alignment or, in extreme cases, dislocate it. Symptoms of a dislocated kneecap
include the knee looking misshapen like a bone is out of place, not being able
to bend or straighten the knee, knee swelling, and severe pain. Sometimes patellar tracking problems run in the family. If you have a
family member with knee pain, you may want to take preventive measures, such as
strengthening your thigh muscles. What are the symptoms? If your kneecap is out of
alignment, you may have discomfort or pain, especially when you go down stairs,
sit for a long time, stand up from sitting, or squat. This kind of pain, also
known as patellofemoral pain, may be caused by patellar tracking
disorder. You also may feel a popping, grinding, slipping, or
catching of the kneecap when you bend or straighten your leg. Or you may feel
that your knee is buckling or giving way, as though the knee suddenly cannot
support your body weight. How is patellar tracking disorder diagnosed? Some
knee problems can be hard to tell apart. Your doctor will ask questions about
your past health and carefully examine you to rule out other conditions. Some
of the questions might be: When and how did the pain start? Did it start on its
own with no direct cause? Or was the pain caused by injury, overuse, or some
other problem with the knee? The doctor will also feel and move your knee as
part of the physical exam. You may also have imaging tests such as
X-ray,
CT scan, and
MRI. How is it treated? You can try home treatment if
your knee is not swollen, dislocated, giving way, or causing you severe pain.
Take a break from activities that cause knee pain, like squatting, kneeling,
running, and jumping. Put ice on your knee, and use pain medicines you can buy
without a prescription. As your knee pain starts to decrease,
begin stretching and strengthening your leg. Strengthening your thigh muscles
can help keep the kneecap stable. Your doctor or physical therapist can help
you plan an exercise program specifically for your condition. You will probably
start with one or two exercises and add others over time. It is important to
closely follow the instructions from your doctor or physical therapist. Knee pain can be a slow and frustrating condition to heal. But most
people with pain from patellar tracking disorder gain relief with a few months
of treatment and without surgery. As a rule, the longer you have had this
problem, the longer it will take to get better. Most people can
gradually return to their previous activity level if they: - Avoid movements that make symptoms
worse.
- Do specific stretches and muscle-conditioning exercises.
- Lose excess weight.
- Tape or brace the knee, in some
cases.
- Learn the best way to perform a sport, and wear the right
shoes or equipment.
Surgery is usually not necessary for patellar tracking
disorder. It is most often used when dislocation happens many times and other
treatments have not worked. There are many types of surgery that can realign
the kneecap and correct the tracking problem in some people. You and your
doctor can decide which surgery is best for you. How can patellar tracking disorder be prevented? You may be able to prevent patellar tracking disorder and related knee
pain. Avoid activity that overloads and overuses the knee. Stretch your legs
and hips well, both before and after activity. Cycling and swimming are
especially good activities. Stay at a healthy weight to reduce stress on your
knee joints. Frequently Asked Questions Learning about patellar tracking disorder: | | Being diagnosed: | | Getting treatment: | | Ongoing concerns: | | Living with patellar tracking disorder: | |
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