Patellar Tracking Disorder - What Increases Your Risk

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Some risk factors for patellar tracking disorder are beyond your control. Others, such as having weak quadriceps, you can change.

Risk factors that you cannot change

  • Family history of kneeproblems.
  • Knee abnormalities, such as knock-knees or an excessivelylong patellar tendon that allows the patella to slide too high on the kneejoint (patella alta).
  • Apoorly healed injury of the hip, leg, knee, or foot.
  • Previouskneecap dislocation.
  • Previous knee surgery.
  • Generalizedligamentous laxity, or "loose-jointedness."
  • Damage to cartilage.

Risk factors that you can avoid or change

  • Weak thigh muscles(quadriceps).
  • The outer part of your thigh muscle is stronger orcontracts quicker than the inner thigh muscle.
  • Tight ligaments,tendons, and muscles.
  • Excessive body weight.
  • Running,particularly on hills.
  • Playing sports that require repeatedjumping, knee bending, or squatting.
  • Improperfootwear.
  • Improper athletic training or technique.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 15, 2010
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery

1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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