Have you had a gradual increase in knee pain? Is the pain located on the inside of the knee or around the kneecap? Is the pain aggravated by walking down stairs or sitting with your knee bent? These are signs of patella tracking problems. Your kneecap or patella tracks in a groove formed by the end of your femur (the thigh bone). In a healthy knee, the kneecap stays in the middle of this groove as your knee bends and straightens.
Patellar tracking problems can be caused by several different issues. Weakness in the thigh muscles, increased angle of the knee, hip problems and even an unstable foot are all items that may cause tracking problems. It is important to determine what is causing this tracking dysfunction and correct it. Strengthening exercises, balance exercises, walking mechanics and even braces or supports can help to resolve the pain.
I’m Steve Taylor, Physical Therapist of Southern Physical and Occupational Therapy Services
Moving You To A Pain-Free Lifestyle