Also known as the knee cap, the patella is a bone you usually don’t think about unless it’s injured – then, it’s all you think about!
Today, I’m writing about one of the most painful patellar injuries, patellar tracking disorder or, simply, PTD. Whether you’re experiencing PTD symptoms due to athletic injury, as is commonly the case, or on an unrelated note, you’ll want to continue reading to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you manage it.
In its simplest incarnation, patellar tracking disorder occurs whenever the knee cap slides out of place as the leg straightens or bends. Usually, this involves the knee cap shifting too far outwards, although in some cases, it involves an exaggerated inward shift.
Anatomical causes can vary, and include damage to the cartilage within the knee, or muscles, ligaments and tendons that are too loose or too tight. These issues usually arise from overuse from athletic injury, but non-athletic sources of trauma can also lead to the onset of patellar tracking disorder.
As is the case with most injuries of this sort, PTD’s chief symptom is pain, which occurs in and around the knee when you go up or down stairs, sit, squat or stand. Some PTD sufferers also feel a popping or slipping sensation upon bending or straightening the knee.
Although some physicians advocate invasive surgery as a treatment option for PTD, we chiropractors take a different approach. Specifically, we use chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercise and even certain kinds of footwear to address the underlying causes of PTD, be they weak muscles, flat feet or incorrect technique while playing sports.
Come in to our Austin chiropractic clinic today to get your consultation, whether you think you have PTD or some other condition. Our motto is “One Patient, Multiple Solutions,” so we can help you out, whatever ails you.
Whether you need to see a chiropractor in Kyle, San Marcos or Austin, we have 3 locations for your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.