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Treatment for Patellar Tracking Disorder

What is patellar tracking disorder?

Patellar tracking disorder happens when your kneecap (patella) shifts out of place during normal leg movement. When you bend or straighten your knee, the patella or kneecap moves up and down along a groove at your femur (thigh bone). When the patella moves towards the outside or inside of your leg instead of moving in its usual position, it is known as patellar tracking disorder.
This condition is known to cause pain.

Causes of patellar tracking disorder

Patellar tracking disorder is usually caused by a combination of issues. The problem can occur if the tendons surrounding the knee are too tight or too loose. It can also happen as a result of problems with the muscles, ligaments, and cartilage around the hip, leg or foot.

Patellar tracking disorder can also occur from an injury or accident that results in blunt trauma to the knee area, knocking the patella out of its normal positioning. Overuse and too much pressure on the knee and foot can also cause patellar tracking disorder.

Even though this condition is brought about by a variety of factors, there is a set of risk factors that increases the chances of patellar tracking disorder occurring.
They are:

  • Wearing improper of incompatible footwear
  • Excess weight gain, which puts pressure on the joints and muscles
  • Weakened or imbalance in quadriceps
  • Improper workout techniques
  • Overuse due to activities that require excessive jumping, squatting and knee bending
  • Family history of knees complications
  • Previous knee dislocation
  • Previous knee surgery
  • Cartilage damage or degeneration
  • Poorly healed knee injury

Symptoms of patellar tracking disorder

The first symptom of patellar tracking disorder is usually pain and swelling of the knee. However, it is important to point out that this is also a symptom for a number of other conditions.

If you do have patellar tracking disorder, one or more of the following signs and symptoms will be present:

  • Obvious sign that your kneecap (patella) is moving the wrong way
  • Unexplainable sounds accompanying normal knee function
  • Pain and discomfort when using the affected knee
  • Knee giving way suddenly

Unless your patellar tracking disorder is caused by sudden blunt force trauma on the affected knee, the likelihood is that you will experience mild pains that gradually increase in intensity.

If you feel that you are experiencing pains and swellings on your knee, it is important that you see your GP immediately, as you may have dislocated your kneecap without knowing. A dislocated kneecap must be put back in place immediately, and by someone who is trained to do so.

How is patellar tracking disorder diagnosed?

Because the symptoms of patellar tracking disorder are very similar to that of other knee issues, it can be difficult to self-diagnose the condition.

It is recommended that you consult your GP who will consider your medical history, examine your knee, and possibly suggest an X-ray in order to determine the condition and position of your knee bones. In the event that further information is needed, it may be necessary to undergo an MRI.

Getting help and treatment

Your knee plays a very active role in your mobility and ensures that you are productive every day. Therefore, any problem that affects your knee can be quite frustrating. If you are experiencing problems with your knee it is recommended you seek medical help immediately as patellar tracking disorder becomes harder to repair the longer it is a problem.

There are a number of home remedies you can try, such as keeping pressure off the affected knee, using cold compress or ice to reduce the swelling and pain, and taking pain medications. However, you will eventually have to see a doctor, and it is better you do so fast. If you think you have patellar tracking disorder, call XXXXXXXXX for advice on how to get the proper treatment you will need to get better.

Patellar Tracking Disorder FAQ’s

Does patellar tracking disorder require surgery?
There are a number of remedies that can help fix patellar tracking disorder, however, if your patellar tracking disorder is caused by a problem with the structure or alignment of the knee, surgery is the best option. This type of surgery is called an osteotomy.
Can you have patellar tracking disorder and not know it?
In some cases of blunt force trauma to the knee, your patella can be damaged without your knowing. However, because even a small hairline fracture can cause severe pain or immobility, it is unlikely that you will not notice some pain or damage.
Can patellar tracking disorder be cured?
With with proper care, most patients get better within a few months.
When you get the right treatment for patellar tracking disorder, the objective is to reduce the pain as much as possible, and to build your knee muscles so that they are strong enough to hold your kneecap in place. Once this has been achieved, you have successfully treated patellar tracking disorder.

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