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Patellar Tracking Disorder - What Increases Your Risk
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 knee problems.
- Knee abnormalities, such as knock-knees or an excessively long patellar tendon that allows the patella to slide too high on the knee joint (patella alta).
- A growth spurt, as is typical in teenagers.
- A poorly healed injury of the hip, leg, knee, or foot.
- Previous kneecap dislocation.
- Previous knee surgery.
- Generalized ligamentous laxity, or "loose-jointedness."
Risk factors 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 athletic training or technique.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
February 14, 2008
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