What Increases Your Risk

Some risk factors for patellar tracking disorder are beyond your control. Others, such as having weak quadriceps, you can change.

Risk factors that you cannot change

• Family history of knee problems.
• Knee abnormalities, such as knock-knees or an excessively long patellar tendon that allows the patella to slide too high on the knee joint (patella alta).
• A growth spurt, as is typical in teenagers.
• A poorly healed injury of the hip, leg, knee, or foot.
• Previous kneecap dislocation.
• Previous knee surgery.
• Generalized ligamentous laxity, or "loose-jointedness."

Risk factors that you can avoid or change

• Weak thigh muscles (quadriceps).
• The outer part of your thigh muscle is stronger or contracts quicker than the inner thigh muscle.
• Tight ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
• Excessive body weight.
• Running, particularly on hills.
• Playing sports that require repeated jumping, knee bending, or squatting.
• Improper footwear.
• Improper athletic training or technique.