Patella tracking
The patella is the medical term for kneecap. It can shift out of place if there is a muscle imbalance in the thigh muscles, or if there is an direct impact trauma.

Symptoms can range from mild ache to severe pain in the front of the knee, especially when bending and straightening the knee joint.

Knee Ligament Damage
Ligaments have a poorer blood supply than muscles. This means they take longer to heal. There are four ligaments in the knee. Damage to ligaments are often caused by an impact trauma injury causing them to over stretch.

- Anterior cruciate ligament (twisting)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (twisting)
- Medical collateral ligament (blow from lateral aspect)
- Lateral collateral ligament (blow from medial aspect)

If you suffer from any impact, make sure you get professional advice immediately.

Cartilage (Meniscus) Damage
The meniscus is damaged by forceful knee movement whilst weight-bearing. The most common injury rotation at the knee while the foot is still on the ground.

The meniscus can also be damaged by smaller repetitive injuries. It has no blood supply, so so does not repair (like muscles and ligaments can). This is why wear and tear of the cartilage is more apparent the older we get (e.g. osteoarthritis).

Common symptoms are clicking and locking, or pain when weight-bearing. If you suffer from these symptoms, ensure to get professional advice.

Osteoarthritis (Arthritis)
Although we think of arthritis and osteoarthritis as affecting elderly people, younger people may also suffer from it as a result of injury.

As mentioned above, there is excessive erosion of the mensicus (cartilage). Symptoms are similar to meniscus damage.

Manipulative therapy such as Osteopathy has been found to reduce pain, discomfort and help patients cope with symptoms.

Posted by Mr. Trishul Vadi (Principal Osteopath in West Wickham, Beckenham, Bromley & South East London) on Tuesday, June 29th, 2010