Patella is sesamoid bone located in knee joint between thigh bone(femur) and Shin bone (tibia/fibula).

Patellar tracking disorder means that 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. In a few people, it shifts toward the inside.

Patellar tracking disorder is usually caused by several problems combined, such as:

  • Weak thigh muscles.
  • Tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the leg that are too tight or too loose.
  • Activities that stress the knee again and again, especially those with twisting motions.
  • A traumatic injury to the knee, such as a blow that pushes the kneecap toward the outer side of the leg.
  • Problems with the structure of the knee bones or how they are aligned.
  • 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.

What are the symptoms?

If you have a patellar tracking problem, you may have:

  • Pain in the front of the knee, especially when you squat, jump, kneel, or use stairs (most often when going down stairs).
  • A feeling of popping, grinding, slipping, or catching in your kneecap when you bend or straighten your leg.
  • A feeling that your knee is buckling or giving way, as though all of a sudden your knee can't support your weight.
  • consult the physiotherapist to diagnose the problem precisely for the Patello femoral dysfunction, skilled physiotherapist with the proper case history and analysing your sign and symptoms, will be able to diagnose the problem. consult a doctor before jumping into any self conclusion.

How is it treated?

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.

physiotherapy Treatment of patellar tracking disorder has two goals: 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 or other signs of a dislocated kneecap, you can try home treatment for a week or two to see if it will reduce your pain.

  • Take a break from activities that cause knee pain, like squatting, kneeling, running, and jumping.
  • Put ice on your knee, especially before and after activity. After 2 or 3 days, you can try heat to see if that helps.

As your knee pain starts to decrease, do exercises to increase strength and flexibility in your leg and hip. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can help you plan an exercise program that fits your condition. You will probably start with one or two exercises and add others over time. Make sure to closely follow the instructions you're given.

Your doctor or physiotherapist may also suggest that you:

  • Tape your knee to hold the kneecap in place.
  • Use a knee brace for extra knee support.
  • Try shoe inserts (orthotics) to improve the position of your feet.

Most people with patellar tracking disorder can slowly return to their previous activity level if they:

  • Avoid movements that make symptoms worse.
  • Keep doing their stretches and strength exercises.
  • Learn the best way to do their sport and use the right shoes or equipment.
  • Lose excess weight.

Surgery usually isn't needed for patellar tracking disorder. You may need surgery if your kneecap dislocates after other treatments haven't worked. There are several types of surgery that can correct a tracking problem. You and your doctor can decide which surgery is best for you.

Recommended treatment option - 

Rigid taping or kinesio taping for correction of patellar position. 

Deep tissue release (sports Massage) for tightened muscles.

Strengthening of weakened muscle and ligaments

Knee brace or patellar belt for support during strenuous activities. 

acupuncture to relieve the pain and adhesion around the knee joint.

HPE INDIA, Bandra center 

09892981954