Patellar Tracking Disorder (Runner’s Knee): Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

• Patellar tracking disorder occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves abnormally as the knee bends and straightens.

• Symptoms include pain, grinding, or the kneecap feeling like it’s slipping sideways.

• Common causes include muscle imbalance, tight structures (IT band, quadriceps), poor biomechanics, and flat feet.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we use diagnostic ultrasound to rule out tendon or soft tissue injury and provide a tailored rehab plan.

👉 Related: Knee Pain Clinic | Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome | Anterior Knee Pain | Knee Osteoarthritis

​

What is Patellar Tracking Disorder?

Normally, the patella glides within the femoral groove when you bend and straighten your knee.

In patellar tracking disorder, the kneecap may move too far laterally (outwards), or not track smoothly, causing pain, irritation, and instability — a common issue we assess at our Bromley knee clinic. 

 

It’s common in:

• Runners, lifters, and gym-goers

• Teenagers during growth spurts

• People with weak glutes, quads, or poor biomechanics

​

Symptoms of Patellar Tracking Disorder

• Pain around or behind the kneecap, especially with squats, stairs, or lunges

• Clicking, popping, or grinding under the kneecap

• Feeling of “instability” or “kneecap slipping”

• Occasional swelling after activity

• Pain with prolonged sitting (theatre sign)

​

Causes & Risk Factors

• Muscle imbalance: weak glutes and quads, tight IT band or hamstrings

• Flat feet or overpronation

• Previous knee injuries (ligament sprains, meniscus tears)

• Poor exercise form (squats, lunges)

• Rapid growth in adolescents

• Structural differences in the shape of the femoral groove (trochlea)

​

Why Diagnostic Ultrasound Matters

Patellar maltracking often coexists with other knee problems. Ultrasound helps us identify these and confirm the diagnosis.

With ultrasound we can:

• Assess the patellar tendon for irritation or thickening

• Detect bursitis or fat pad inflammation from maltracking

• Rule out patellar tendinopathy vs patellofemoral pain syndrome

• Monitor swelling or recurrent effusion

This ensures your treatment is targeted, evidence-based, and not just “generic knee strengthening

​

Diagnosis of Patellar Tracking Disorder

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis includes:

• Osteopathic assessment – gait, posture, hip/glute strength, squat/lunge form

• Diagnostic ultrasound – ruling out tendon, bursitis, or fat pad involvement

• Referral for MRI only if significant structural abnormalities are suspected

​

Self-Help for Patellar Tracking Disorder

• Modify aggravating exercises temporarily (deep squats, lunges)

• Ice the knee if swollen

• Stretch quads, hamstrings, and IT band

• Strengthen glutes, quads (especially VMO), and hip stabilisers

• Supportive footwear or orthotics if flat feet contribute

​These strategies can help manage symptoms, but do not replace a full assessment if pain persists.

​

Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

• Osteopathic treatment (mobilisation, soft tissue, patellar taping)

• Exercise rehabilitation (glute, quad, core)

• Sports massage (IT band and quadriceps)

• Bracing or taping (short-term support)

• Diagnostic ultrasound (confirming diagnosis and monitoring progress)

• Training advice (squats, running, gym technique)

​

Prevention

• Strengthen hips, glutes, and quads as part of training

• Stretch regularly to avoid muscle tightness

• Build exercise loads gradually

• Check squat and lunge technique with a coach or osteopath

• Use supportive footwear for running and gym training

​

FAQs – Patellar Tracking Disorder

​

Q: Is patellar tracking the same as runner’s knee?
Not exactly. Patellofemoral pain syndrome involves irritation behind the kneecap, while patellar maltracking describes the abnormal movement causing it.

​

Q: How long does patellar tracking disorder take to improve?
Many people notice improvement within weeks once the correct exercises and load management are in place. Full recovery depends on severity, adherence to rehab, and contributing factors.

​

Q: Can you fix patellar tracking?
Yes. With the right rehab, strengthening, and taping/bracing, most cases improve significantly.

​

Q: Do I need surgery?
Rarely. Surgery is only considered if severe structural misalignment is present.

​

Book Your Appointment

Book your patellar tracking disorder assessment in Bromley for osteopath-led diagnosis, ultrasound where appropriate, and a tailored rehab plan.