Patellar Malalignment
Patellar malalignment is an abnormal angle of the kneecap more commonly in women.. Typically the kneecap is more “knocked” and pointing to the outside in patellar malignment. This condition can lead to softening of the kneecap cartilage and/or splitting of pieces of cartilage. Additionally the ligaments on the outer side of the knee cap become contracted. This condition leads to pain in front of the knee commonly with stair climbing, squatting and impact activities. Pain is characterized as aching in the front of the knee occasionally with “popping”. The diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome can be made by physical examination by a physician and sometimes confirmed with x-rays or an MRI
- Consult a physician if you think you have patellar malalignmen
- Weight control is important to decrease the amount of force across the knee cap
- Warm up and stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon flexibility
- Develop stronger quadriceps (especially the inner muscle) to assist in the realignment of the kneecap
- Develop a Cross-training program to prevent repetitive impact on the knee cartilage
- Use Knee supports and Patellar Sleeves