Solutions for Kneecap Displacement

Let’s go for a walk! Let’s run! Let's go to the gym! These are some common phrases we hear or we say to go work out. Then, as we do these activities, we sometimes feel a little pain in our knees, but we do not pay attention to it. Instead, we continue exercising, running, walking, and doing other activities while the pain is increasing. After that, years could pass and we get used to living with pain or uncomfortable movements until we realize that we have a real problem in our knees. About one-fourth of all problems treated by orthopedic involve the knee, and half of these cases are kneecap displacement, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. This problem is caused by overexerting the body when the muscles are not prepared. The kneecap becomes off center and tends to go to the internal or external side. This is because the muscles are not given the necessary support and the ligaments are overcome. There are three possible solutions for pain in the knees, which are using an orthopedic brace, having surgery, and doing exercise.

The first solution for kneecap displacement is using an orthopedic brace. It provides a specific support and helps to stabilizer the kneecap so it can follows its correct way. However using an orthopedic brace is just for people without a severe problem with their kneecap. Usually using this orthopedic brace is recommended by the doctor when people go for a regular medical checkup and tell the doctor about the pan in the knee. It can be the solution for some cases, but using an orthopedic brace usually comes together with an exercise or therapy program.

The second solution for kneecap displacement is surgery. This solution is used when there are recurrent cases of kneecap displacement or when the problem is very serious. This surgery is known as realignment surgery and there are two different ways this is done, one is artroscopia and the other is open surgery. Also there are two different procedures to correct kneecap displacement. The first procedure consists of cutting a little portion of the muscle. This diminishes the tension of the muscle in the kneecap, which caused the displacement. Another procedure for the surgery is that a part of the quadriceps is taken off and reconnected in a new position on the kneecap. Unfortunately, there is a long recovery and rehabilitation program after the surgery. It is uncomfortable and sometimes people who have had the surgery do not follow the program as they need to.

Doing exercise is the most important solution for kneecap displacement. It can help us to prevent and to correct it. With exercise, we can strengthen thigh muscles, such as the abductors, adductors, posteriors (biceps femoris, plantaris, semitendinosus), and anteriors (quadriceps). Logically, the kind of exercise required is not high impact like aerobics, kick boxing, step, etc. Even though these strengthen our thighs, they are very hard on the kneecap. Exercise can help us to stabilize the knee. There are different routines we can do to correct the kneecap displacement problem, and we can also use exercise equipment, balls, and other objects. By exercising, the muscles will become stronger and better support the kneecap, not allowing it to go in different ways and being prepared for more intense exercise.

It is interesting to know about different solutions for kneecap displacement because it is a common problem. People who suffer this problem probably do not know they have a problem, and if they do, they may think that it will be part of their life from now on. Fortunately, there are solutions for kneecap displacement. One is using an orthopedic brace which helps the kneecap stay in place. The second solution is surgery, for which there are different procedures, but all of which are designed to help realign the kneecap. Another solution is doing exercise to strengthen the muscles in order to keep the kneecap in place. It is important to know about these solutions for kneecap displacement, so that we can enjoy walking, running, and going to the gym without pain.