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Patellofemoral pain - patella tracking - VMO
Signs or Symptoms
Pain and ache that occur
in the region of the knee cap and extends up the thigh
Description
An imbalance in the functioning of the quadriceps muscle causes tracking problems for the kneecap. This leads to localized inflammation.
Causes
Local trauma, overdevelopment or underdevelopment of sections of he quadriceps, postural abnormalities like a short leg, excessive pronation and pelvic imbalances can be part of the cause. A small subsection of the quadriceps, called the vastus medialis obliquus is ofter the cause of this syndrome.
Standard Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises and rest.
AK Approach
The quadriceps can be injured by immediate direct trauma, by repeated micro trauma or a nerve problem that causes weakening of the muscle. Testing begins with an attempt to understand the functioning of he different divisions and subdivisions of eh quadriceps muscle. The examination then turns to the total functioning of the lower extremity. As the knee can be adversely affected by problems in the ankle and foot or the pelvis above it, the examination begins by looking for factors in these areas that would adversely affect knee stability. Locally, the stability of the major ligaments of the knee are then tested for. The muscles that support the knee are evaluated to find the ones that are malfunctioning. These are corrected and then tested for the need of corrective exercises. The attention is then shifted to the localized structures that are injured and failing to support the knee joint properly. These can include specialized treatments for ligaments, muscles, skin and joints. Finally, attention is directed to corrective procedures that can help coordinate the muscles to help prevent future injuries.
Nutritional therapies aimed at increasing factors that would speed healing and reduce any inflammation are considered.
Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the condition. A specific program for your needs is created.