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Treatment
The initial step is to rest the knee. High-impact activities should be switched for lower impact exercise. For example switch running for swimming. Your doctor may suggest that you apply ice to the kneecap after activity.
Longer term treatment involves a number of different strategies, including:
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Most people will benefit from strengthening the muscles around the knee. This includes the quadriceps muscle. It runs down the front of each thigh. Physical therapists can recommend specific exercises. This treatment is very helpful. It can take 6 to 12 weeks to see an improvement.
Pharmacological Treatment
Some people may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). These may include Motrin and Advil. They may be helpful in relieving the pain. They work best when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy.
External Devices
Many people find relief from knee braces or knee sleeves. These devices typically have a cut-out in the knee cap area. They are designed to hold the kneecap in place during activity. Some are designed to hold the patella from going too far laterally.
Certain methods of taping the patella in position have also been helpful to many patients.
Special shoe inserts, called orthotics, may also be helpful. They are most helpful when the condition is due to dysfunction in the foot (as in flat feet or excessive pronation).
Surgery
In rare cases, people who do not respond to other forms of treatment may be recommended for surgery. This will be done to correct malalignment of the patella.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.