Patella tracking problems refer to a condition in which the patella shifts laterally as you straighten or bend your leg. It can bend either towards the inside of your knee (medial tracking) or towards the outside (lateral tracking).
In the majority of individuals with maltracking patellas, the patella tracks towards the outside of the knee.
Treatment of patella tracking problems is usually via a combination of analgesics, rehabilitation and strengthening exercises and the use of orthotics and/or knee braces.
Symptoms of a patella tracking disorder may include:
If your tracking problem is severe, you may also experience severe pain and swelling around the knee, and your knee may have a “misshapen” look. You may also have trouble bending or straightening your knee.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, try to see your doctor as soon as possible. Generally speaking, the longer you delay treatment of a patella tracking issue, the longer it will take to heal once treatment has started.
To treat a kneecap maltracking issue, your doctor may first prescribe analgesics to ease the pain.
If the condition is mild, then taking a break for a few weeks from activities like squatting, running or jumping may help to resolve it. You may also need to start a course of exercises to strengthen the muscles around your kneecap. The aim will be to improve these muscles’ ability to keep your patella in its proper place and avoid future tracking problems.
While you rest your knee, you may be advised to tape it or to wear a knee brace like one of those below. Weight loss and using shoe inserts to alter the position of your feet while walking are other treatment options.
In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment of your kneecap tracking problem. However, surgery is rarely required.
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The Bio Skin Premium J combines function, comfort and affordability with a buttress around the patella to help prevent patella subluxation and knee dislocation. It also features dual elastic straps criss-crossing the knee to help seat the patella in its trochlear groove for less patellofemoral pain.
The Bio Skin Premium J with Conforma hinge combines function, comfort and affordability with a buttress around the patella to help prevent patella subluxation and knee dislocation. It also features dual elastic straps criss-crossing the knee to help seat the patella in its trochlear groove for less patellofemoral pain.
The Bio Skin Q Brace will help to reduce the pain of mild to moderate patellar tracking problems. It uses a T Strap to exert gentle pressure on your patella to help prevent subluxation (dislocation) and keep the patella in its proper position.
The Bio Skin Q Brace will help to reduce the pain of mild to moderate patellar tracking problems. It uses a T Strap to exert gentle pressure on your patella to help prevent subluxation (dislocation) and keep the patella in its proper position.
The Bio Skin Q Lok ROM supports rehabilitation of the patellofemoral joint while helping to prevent subluxation and further dislocation during normal activities. A specially designed dynamic patella traction strap make this brace an ideal choice for patients suffering from a high Q angle or from chronic pain from patella tilt, glide and malignment. In addition, its thin, ½ inch range-of-motion hinge allows you to progressively adjust the degree of flexion and extension of the knee.
