Unstable kneecap occurs when the kneecap, also called patella, is not kept in its normal position in front of the knee. This may happen when the femoral groove where the kneecap normally slides is either uneven or too shallow causing problems, such as pain and instability. A direct blow to the kneecap may also cause your kneecap to become unstable.
Your kneecap is an important component of your knee joint. It helps connect your front thigh muscles to your shin bone. When you run, walk, sit or stand, your kneecap slightly moves up or down making sure that your movement is smooth.
Unstable Kneecap Symptoms
Symptoms of an unstable kneecap may include
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination of your patella and your knee. He or she may ask you to bend and straighten your knee while observing movement of your kneecap.
Your doctor may also recommend an X-ray of your involved knee to confirm a diagnosis or find out if other structures of your knee is injured or damaged.
Treatment
If your kneecap is completely out of its position (dislocated), your doctor will properly position your kneecap to its normal place. This procedure is called reduction.
Other treatments that you may receive may include
Your doctor may recommend surgery, especially if you have a chronic condition or your kneecap repeatedly dislocates or continues to be unstable.
Suggested Readings
View More Topics On:
Conditions / Injuries | Physical Therapy | Health and Wellness
P.S.: Thank you for visiting our website. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your family or friends by clicking on the Share Buttons below. Thank You!
Disclaimer
Your kneecap is an important component of your knee joint. It helps connect your front thigh muscles to your shin bone. When you run, walk, sit or stand, your kneecap slightly moves up or down making sure that your movement is smooth.
Unstable Kneecap Symptoms
Symptoms of an unstable kneecap may include
- Kneecap sliding to the side during movement
- Knee buckles and possible difficulty supporting your weight
- Knee catches during movement
- Knee pain, especially in the front portion
- Stiffness
- Knee is swollen
- Tenderness
- Creaking or cracking sound with knee movement
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination of your patella and your knee. He or she may ask you to bend and straighten your knee while observing movement of your kneecap.
Your doctor may also recommend an X-ray of your involved knee to confirm a diagnosis or find out if other structures of your knee is injured or damaged.
Treatment
If your kneecap is completely out of its position (dislocated), your doctor will properly position your kneecap to its normal place. This procedure is called reduction.
Other treatments that you may receive may include
- Physical therapy with a special emphasis on strengthening your front thigh muscles (quadriceps)
- Exercises
- Knee bracing
- Knee taping
Your doctor may recommend surgery, especially if you have a chronic condition or your kneecap repeatedly dislocates or continues to be unstable.
Suggested Readings
- Dislocated Patella - About Kneecap Dislocation
- Physical Therapy for Dislocated Patella
- All About Knee Injuries
- All About Knee Pain
View More Topics On:
Conditions / Injuries | Physical Therapy | Health and Wellness
P.S.: Thank you for visiting our website. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your family or friends by clicking on the Share Buttons below. Thank You!
Disclaimer
