Do you avoid stairs due to knee pain?

Feb 24

Have you ever found yourself trying to avoid the stairs because of the pain that follows? Knee pain is a problem treated frequently by physiotherapists at Spinal Care Sydney Olympic Park. While there can be several reasons behind the cause of knee pain, a common reason is poor patellar tracking.

What is patellar mal tracking?
Patellar mal tracking is when the patellar (kneecap) shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. In most cases, the patellar shifts too far towards the outside of the legs but in some instances, it shifts too far inside the leg. The knee joint comprises of a complex hinge that joins two bones of the lower leg with the thigh-bone. If a problem occurs with any of the parts surrounding the knee, it can lead to patellar mal tracking.

What causes patellar mal tracking?
Patellar mal tracking often occurs due to several problems combined. These include - but are not limited to:

Quad overloading
Underactive glutes
Poor alignment
Weak thigh muscles
Activities that stress the knee including traumatic injuries

How do I know if I have patellar mal tracking?
Common symptoms of patellar mal tracking include:

Pain in the front of the knee - especially when jumping, squatting, kneeling, and using stairs
Popping, grinding or slipping sensation in the kneecap when bending or straightening knee
Feeling as though your knee cannot support your weight

How can patellar mal tracking be treated?
With a large volume of patients coming in with knee pain, Rebecca, our physiotherapist at Spinal Care Olympic Park is no stranger to treating patellar mal tracking. Through correct diagnosis of the problem, Rebecca will provide an exercise or rehabilitation program that is tailored specifically for your condition. Techniques to keep the kneecap in proper alignment will also be given in addition to the program which will help both rehabilitate and strengthen the knee.

If you are experiencing discomfort to your knee or suspect you have patellar mal tracking, make an appointment to see a physiotherapist now. Call us on (02) 8964 6385 or book online to see Rebecca (link to bio) our Physio.