Patellar Malalignment

Understanding Patellar Malalignment – Woodstock, Georgia

Patellar malalignment is a rotational or translational deviation of the kneecap to an axis, associated with many soft-tissue abnormalities and typically characterized by a lateral displaced and tilted kneecap.

Differential Diagnosis

Patellar malalignment, Woodstock, Georgia may be an underlining cause for disorders such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar tendinitis, altered proprioception (instability), neural inflammation, and venous congestion.

The development of instability and pain in patients suffering from patellar malalignment, Woodstock, Georgia is usually set off by the trigger that varies from one patient to another. Trauma can be a trigger.

This neural factor combined with knee overuse and mechanical anomalies increases potential consequences of patellar malalignment, Woodstock, Georgia. Patellar malalignment can cause pain in the medial, lateral and anterior of the kneecap

Diagnostic Procedures

There’s no sign accepted as proof of the condition. Therefore, the physical examination of the patient is not easy. Nonetheless, some examinations and symptoms may help to identify this malalignment.

Symptoms such as stiffness, giving-way and tenderness should arouse suspicion for patellar malalignment. However, other conditions also share these symptoms.

Dr. Kal and Woodstock chiropractors at Advanced Health Solutions Georgia Spine & Disc will inspect foot abnormalities such pronation, gait, and lower extremity alignment.

While seated, Dr. Kal will ask for an extension of the knee. The kneecap assumes a lateralized position when you approach full extension of the knee. The part of the muscle that is just above the knee may be atrophied, so our Woodstock chiropractor can’t identify it by palpation or sight.

Patellar malalignment causes pain. As a result, patients have difficulties climbing stairs and arising from a seated position since the activities aggravate pressure around the kneecap.

Physical Therapy Management

Physical therapy includes effective patellar bracing or taping, strengthening of the external hip rotator or the part of the muscle that is just above the knee, proprioceptive training, balanced strengthening and stretching of structures such as the hamstrings, and the quadriceps, helps patients avoid surgery.

Dr. Kal will design an exercise program to strengthen an extensor muscle located medially in your thigh that extends the knee. It will enhance the quadriceps while minimizing joint stress. The program should be specific to the kneecap, considering its possible cartilage.

Our chiropractor will take care of an excessive medial femoral rotation instead of treating a lateral kneecap rotation. The control of thigh bone rotation will be important to restore normal patellar alignment. Thus, a strengthening program of the hip external rotators can reduce patellar malalignment.

Patellar tape and braces realign the kneecap within the groove on the end of the thigh bone. This enhances quadriceps function and realignment. Our chiropractor will tape across your overly powerful muscle located on the side of your thigh to reduce its pull and stimulate realignment. Taping also pulls the kneecap away from the painful area.