Patella Tracking Dysfunction

What is patella tracking dysfunction?

The patella, or kneecap, plays a critical role in your knee joint, gliding up and down in a groove on your femur (thigh bone) as you bend and straighten your leg. A patella tracking injury – also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or “runner’s knee” – occurs when the kneecap moves out of its natural alignment during these movements, causing pain and discomfort in the knee.

What causes patella tracking dysfunction?

Patella tracking issues often result from an imbalance in the muscles and tissues surrounding the knee. Common causes include:

Muscle Imbalances: Weakness in the quadriceps or tightness in the outer thigh (the IT band) can pull the patella off course.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain: Activities like running, cycling, or squatting can place extra stress on the kneecap.
Injury or Trauma: A direct impact or fall
Postural or Structural Abnormalities: Factors like flat feet, a high-riding patella (patella alta), or knee valgus (knock-knees) can contribute to patella tracking problems.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms include:

Pain around the kneecap, especially during activities like running, climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting.
Popping or clicking sounds when bending or straightening the knee.
Swelling or tenderness around the knee joint.
Feeling of instability as if the knee might “give way.”

How can osteopathy help?

Our Osteopaths can help with the management of patella tracking injuries in multiple ways, including:

Assessment and diagnosis of your condition
Manual therapy to relieve pain and improve mobility
Exercise prescription to improve strength and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your pain
Education and advice on pain management and lifestyle modification to help manage your condition

If you have questions about patella tracking injuries and how our osteopaths might be able to help, please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeralosteopathy.com.au. We would love to work with you!

Patella Tracking Dysfunction

Patella Tracking Dysfunction

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