Patellar Tracking Disorder: When To Call A Doctor

Content provided by Healthwise

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have severe knee pain or your kneecap has dislocated.

If your doctor hasn't determined that you have patellar tracking disorder but you have knee pain or dysfunction, see the topic Knee Problems and Injuries to evaluate your symptoms.

Watchful Waiting

If your knee aches or your kneecap shifts or catches, first try the stretching and strengthening exercises and other tips in the Home Treatment section of this topic. If your symptoms continue longer than 1 to 2 weeks or if your knee is swollen, talk to your doctor.

Who To See

The following health professionals can perform initial diagnosis and treatment for patellar tracking disorder or dislocation of the kneecap:

• Emergency medicine specialist
• Sports medicine specialist
• Orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist)
• Family medicine doctor
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

For instruction in strengthening, stretching, bracing, and taping techniques, see a physical therapist.

For evaluation of whether a dislocated kneecap could benefit from surgery, see an orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist) or sports medicine specialist. For more information, see the Surgery section of this topic.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	February 14, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC