What Increases Your Risk

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

Things that you cannot change

• Family history of knee problems.
• Knee abnormalities, such as knock-knees, a shallow femoral groove, a small or flat patella, or an excessively long patellar tendon that allows the patella to slide too high on the knee joint (patella alta).
• A poorly healed injury of the hip, leg, knee, or foot.
• Previous kneecap dislocation.
• Previous knee surgery.
• Generalized ligamentous laxity, or "loose-jointedness."
• Damage to cartilage.

Things that you can avoid or change

• Weak thigh muscles (quadriceps).
• The outer part of your thigh muscle is stronger or contracts quicker than the inner thigh muscle.
• Tight ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
• Excessive body weight.
• Running, particularly on hills.
• Playing sports that require repeated jumping, knee bending, or squatting.
• Improper footwear.
• Improper technique and/or lack of adequate training for sports or other activities.

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have severe knee pain or your kneecap has dislocated.

If your doctor hasn't determined that you have patellar tracking disorder but you have knee pain or dysfunction, see the topic Knee Problems and Injuries to evaluate your symptoms.

Watchful waiting

If your knee aches or your kneecap shifts or catches, first try the stretching and strengthening exercises and other tips in the Home Treatment section of this topic. If your symptoms continue longer than 1 to 2 weeks or if your knee is swollen, talk to your doctor.

Who to see

The following health professionals can do initial diagnosis and treatment for patellar tracking disorder or dislocation of the kneecap:

• Emergency medicine specialist
• Sports medicine specialist
• Orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist)
• Family medicine doctor
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

For instruction in strengthening, stretching, bracing, and taping techniques, see a physical therapist.

For evaluation of whether a dislocated kneecap could benefit from surgery, see an orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist) or sports medicine specialist. For more information, see the Surgery section of this topic.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.