The thigh muscles (quadriceps) help keep the kneecap (patella) stable and in place. Weak quadriceps increase the risk of patellar tracking disorder.
Ligaments and tendons also help stabilize the patella. If these are too tight or too loose, you have a greater risk of patellar tracking disorder.
The goals of nonsurgical treatment of patellar tracking problems are to reduce symptoms, increase quadriceps strength and endurance, and return to normal function. Exercises for patellar tracking disorder are not complicated and can be done at home in about 20 minutes a day.
Your doctor or physical therapist should will help you decide what exercises to do. You will likely start with one or two exercises and do more over time. Your physical therapist may use biofeedback during some exercises to help you learn to contract certain muscles, especially the inner muscle of your quadriceps.
When your doctor or physical therapist thinks your knee is ready, he or she may recommend more intensive exercise.
Note: For straight-leg raise exercises, your physical therapist may have you add light ankle weights as you become stronger.
Remember to limit the bend of your knee to a 30-degree angle at first. When your knee is bent past this point, your kneecap will have more contact with the thighbone, causing more pressure, pain, and possible cartilage damage.
Remember to limit the bend of your knee to a 30-degree angle at first. When your knee is bent past this point, your kneecap will have more contact with the thighbone, causing more pressure, pain, and possible cartilage damage.
Current as of: March 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Patrick J. McMahon MD - Orthopedic Surgery
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