Hello everybody! Dr. Lawless here again to discuss a common condition that we see in patients here, who are dealing with knee pain.
Do you have knee pain? It could be patellar tracking disorder.
Patellar tracking disorder, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar maltracking, is abnormal gliding or tracking of the kneecap (patella) within its groove at the knee (the trochlea).
It is very common and can be seen in various age groups, but women are almost twice as likely to develop this condition. This may be because women have wider pelvises, which increases the angle at which the bones in the knee joint meet.
What are the symptoms of patellar tracking disorder?
Diffuse anterior knee pain (pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap) is common in patellar tracking disorder. People may also experience the following:
- Pain and tightness in your thighs and hips
- Cracking or popping sounds in the kneecap that may or may not cause pain
- Kneecap that is tender to the touch
Symptoms are usually worse with squatting, jumping, and going up and down stairs. Pain typically can come and go with these activities and improve quickly with rest.
What causes patellar tracking disorder?
Some people have a shallow trochlear groove where the patella sits. This allows the patella to move more freely than normal and can lead to various reasons for pain. Other people have muscle imbalances and weaknesses in their hips and thighs that allow the patella to abnormally move to the side (usually laterally) out of its normal groove.
How is patellar tracking disorder diagnosed?
Patellar tracking disorder is usually diagnosed by history taking and a physical exam. X-Rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound can demonstrate a misaligned patella and a shallow trochlear groove.
How do you treat patellar tracking disorder?
Treatment starts with improving the muscle imbalances and weaknesses with strengthening exercises for the hips and thighs (usually with a physical therapist). Patella tracking knee braces can also be used to support the patella and prevent it from abnormally tracking outside of its comfortable groove.
Additional treatments that might be recommended include:
- Kinesiology tape (K tape) around the patella to help keep the alignment correct
- Stretching and foam rolling to improve flexibility and alleviate symptoms
- Corticosteroid injections and trigger point injections
Typically, the longer you have had this problem, the longer it will take for symptoms to get better. Don’t wait to get your treatment started if you have had lasting knee pain.
Are there any steps you can take to prevent this condition?
The best way to prevent this problem is to keep your hip and thigh muscles strong. You can try doing a variety of exercises that target different parts of your legs, such as cycling and swimming. Additionally, you should stretch your legs and hips before and after physical activity to help keep your muscles loose.