One common cause of knee discomfort is patellar tracking disorder (PTD), a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal alignment when bending or straightening the knee. It may lead to other knee disorders like patella alta when the patella becomes locked out of its normal position due to the protective quadriceps muscle spasm.
What Is PTD?
The kneecap (patella) moves smoothly within a groove on the thigh bone (femur) as the leg bends and straightens. However, in individuals with PTD, the kneecap shifts out of its normal path, usually toward the outside of the leg, causing pain and limited mobility. This condition often results from muscle imbalances, poor knee alignment, or repetitive strain on the joint.
Contributing Factors of PTD.
- Muscle imbalances – Weak inner thigh muscles or tight outer thigh muscles can pull the kneecap out of alignment
- Structural misalignment – Abnormal knee or hip alignment can be caused by pelvis, ankle, or foot misalignments and dysfunction.
- Poor biomechanics – Incorrect movement patterns, posture, or foot positioning can affect knee function.
- Previous knee injury – Trauma to the knee can weaken the stabilizing structures, increasing the risk of misalignment.
- Overuse or repetitive motion – Activities over long durations with repetitive stresses like running, jumping, or cycling can contribute to patellar misalignment over time.
- Overweight – Increased weight bearing on the spine, pelvis, knees, and ankles due to obesity can contribute to PTD.
Common Symptoms of PTD.
If you have patellar tracking disorder, you may notice discomfort in the front of your knee, especially during movement. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain around or behind the kneecap, especially when bending the knee
- A sensation of the kneecap “slipping” or feeling unstable
- Cracking or popping sounds when moving the knee
- Swelling or stiffness in the knee joint
- Difficulty with activities like squatting, running, or walking downstairs
How Chiropractic Can Help PTD.
Many people assume knee pain only involves the knee, but studies show that hip and spinal misalignments can contribute to improper knee mechanics. Chiropractic treatment focuses on correcting misalignments that contribute to knee pain and instability. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the knee joint and enhance its range of motion. Unlike medications or invasive treatments, chiropractic care offers a long-term solution by addressing the root cause of PTD.
Chiropractic Treatments for PTD include:
- Knee and spinal adjustments – Aligning the knee, pelvis, and spine helps improve overall biomechanics and relieve pain.
- Muscle strengthening and stretching – Chiropractors often recommend exercises to strengthen weak thigh muscles and improve patellar tracking.
- Taping/Bracing – Applying specialized tape or bracing when participating in exercise activities can support and stabilize the kneecap while reducing strain.
- Ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations – Modifying activities, footwear, and posture can help prevent further knee issues.
References:
Jauhn MS, DO. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Review and Guidelines for Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 1999;60(7):2012-2018
Meyer JJ, Zachman ZJ, Keating JC Jr, Traina AD. Effectiveness of chiropractic management for patellofemoral pain syndrome's symptomatic control phase: a single subject experiment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1990 Nov-Dec;13(9):539-49. PMID: 2273335.