Patella tracking disorders occur when the patella (or knee cap) shifts out laterally from its normal anatomic position when the legs are flexed or extended. This may be an overuse condition, one due to trauma or a condition that runs in families. Knee pain and a grinding feeling in the knee are typical symptoms. Treatment of patella tracking issues can involve rest, strengthening exercises and the use of knee braces such as those listed below (among other measures).
Kneecap tracking issues actually fall into a number of subcategories. These include medial and lateral tracking problems. We go over each of these briefly below.
Medial tracking problems refer to a condition involving an imbalance in the gliding of the kneecap that aggravates the cartilage behind the knee. Instead of gliding vertically as the knee bends, the patella tracks upward and inward (towards the medial side of the knee) as it attempts to move upward along the groove. The result is knee pain, clicking sounds (in some cases) and possible swelling. The pain may be especially bothersome after long periods of sitting. The condition is also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Lateral tracking problems are very similar to the medial problems we discussed above. In this situation, however, the kneecap shifts to the outside of the knee. This is actually the more common tracking problem occurrence. However, the symptoms are very similar to those we describe above.
Doctors can treat patella tracking problems in several ways, including:
If the patient is overweight, pursuing a weight management program may help in the treatment of patella tracking problems. A physiotherapist can also recommend an exercise stretching and strengthening program to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the kneecap.
The McDavid Knee Strap / Patella has a tubular, non-slip buttress that applies constant uniform compression at the patellar tendon. It has an adjustable hook and loop closure for custom fit.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Reducing symptoms of patellar tendonitis (runner’s/jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease and patella tracking
The McDavid Knee Support / Adjustable has movable padded buttresses for added compression and pain relief. There is also an adjustable hook and loop closure for custom fit. The flat-seam construction provides ultra comfort and contouring fit
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Reducing symptoms of patellar tendonitis (runner’s/jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease and patella tracking
Patella subluxation and patellofemoral pain treatment
The Bio Skin Premium J combines function, comfort and affordability. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Premium J gives excellent compression without causing discomfort. A buttress on the outside of the patella prevents patella subluxation and knee dislocation. The two elastic straps that cross over the knee help seat the patella in the trochlear groove to increase surface contact area and decrease patellofemoral pain.
Adjustable support for patellofemoral pain The BioSkin Q Brace is designed to reduce the pain of mild to moderate patellofemoral problems. The Q Brace`s T Strap places gentle, lateral pressure on the patella to prevent subluxation (dislocation) and to help maintain the patella in its proper position. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Q Brace gives excellent compression without causing discomfort.
Multi-directional patella tracking knee brace The BioSkin Q Brace Front Closure is designed to reduce the pain of mild to moderate patellofemoral problems. The Q Brace’s t-strap places gentle, lateral pressure on the patella to prevent subluxation (dislocation) and to help maintain the patella in its proper position. Constructed from Bio Skin’s breathable materials, the Q Brace gives excellent compression without causing discomfort.
Maximum patellofemoral pain relief with SlimLok ROM hinge. The BioSkin Q Lok ROM aids in the rehabilitation of patellofemoral joint while preventing subluxation and further dislocation during everyday activity. The high-level compression and dynamic patella traction strap make this brace ideal for patients suffering from a high Q angle, chronic pain from patella tilt, glide and malalignment. The thin, ½ inch range-of-motion hinge gives the option of limiting flexion and extension of the knee. Comfort is a key feature of this brace with a combination of Bio Skin’s breathable material and an enhanced single-layer lycra portion that is pre-tensioned to prevent chafing, irritation and bunching behind the knee. This Cirrus™ material also enhances the grip of the traction strap to ensure patellar control.