Recurring kneecap sprain?
How to get rid of kneecap instability for good

Symptoms of patellar luxation
- When should you see a doctor?

The kneecap fuck symptoms usually occur suddenly and dramatically, so that the patient immediately senses that something is wrong with the knee. One of the most common complaints is severe pain around the kneecap, often accompanied by a cracking or clicking sound at the moment of injury. The kneecap moves laterally and the lesion is often visible visually.

Symptoms may include:

• sudden, sharp pain in the front of the knee, often after a wrong movement, sudden turn or jump,
• you can see or feel that the kneecap has “slipped” laterally,
• knee swelling, sometimes haematoma (due to damage to the soft tissues and ligaments around the kneecap),
• limited mobility, difficulty in fully extending or bending the knee,
• a feeling of unsteadiness or instability - the knee seems to “buckle” or cannot support the weight of the body.

A medical examination is still needed, if the pain eases over time, because the underlying ligament damage, cartilage damage or a tendency to recurrent sprains may also exist. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment can be and the shorter the knee cap sprain healing time.

What can cause kneecap pain and instability?

Pain and instability in the kneecap are often caused by previous kneecap fuck, loose ligaments or muscle imbalance. If the kneecap does not move stably in its socket, it can lead to recurrent micro-injuries, inflammation or for cartilage damage can lead to.

Common causes:

• weak hamstring muscles,
• inappropriate movement pattern,
• congenital anatomical anomalies.

An unstable kneecap not only causes pain, but also clicking or „popping out” sensation can also cause. These signs are warning symptoms that, if persistent, require expert investigation.

The relationship between patellofemoral sprain and cartilage injury

During a kneecap dislocation, the displacement of the kneecap can easily damage the articular cartilage, especially if the dislocation is severe or repetitive. The damage to the cartilage surface often goes unnoticed, but in the long term it can cause pain, clicking and cartilage damage.

The presence of a cartilage hernia has a major influence on the treatment plan after a knee cap dislocation and the expected time of recovery. It is therefore important that the doctor also checks the condition of the cartilage thoroughly during the examination, recommending cartilage-building treatments or targeted rehabilitation if necessary.

How is patellar luxation treated?
- Advanced solutions in BMM

A treatment of patellofemoral sprains always depends on the severity of the lesion and the condition of the damaged tissue. At the Private Musculoskeletal Clinic in Budapest, a personalised treatment plan is prepared for each patient under the guidance of Dr. Péter Doszkocs.

The first step in treatment is accurate diagnosis: modern imaging tests (X-rays, MR) will help the doctor to map the extent of the dislocation and any accompanying injuries, such as a herniated disc or torn ligament.

Details of further treatment options - such as conservative care, knee surgery, knee cap stabilisation or rehabilitation - will be discussed in the following sections.

Conservative treatment and gymnastics after patellofemoral sprain

For milder patellar dislocations - especially after the first dislocation - it is often sufficient to conservative treatment, which aims to restore stability to the kneecap.

This usually includes:

• knee fixation (with knee brace or splint),
• anti-inflammatory therapy,
• followed by a professionally constructed post-knee-concussion exercise.

Physiotherapy plays a key role in strengthening the muscles and restoring the joint's function, thus reducing the chance of re-dislocation. Rehabilitation is always individualised and based on the advice of an orthopaedic specialist.

When is knee surgery justified?

A knee surgery becomes necessary if the patellar sprain is repetitive, if there is a torn ligament, cartilage herniation or significant instability. After repeated dislocations, conservative treatments often no longer provide a permanent solution.

The aim of the operation is to correct the position and movement of the knee cap and restore stability. Dr Péter Doszkocs uses the most modern procedures, using minimally invasive techniques and a careful rehabilitation plan to allow the patient to return to daily activities as soon as possible.

Kneecap stabilisation by surgery - how does it help?

The aim of stabilising the kneecap is to the kneecap remains in the correct position during movement, and prevent further sprains. During the operation, our specialists will reinforce or reconstruct the affected ligaments - such as MPFL plasty - and, if necessary, will also perform a bony correction to ensure optimal knee cap alignment.

This surgery is mainly recommended for recurrent knee sprains, and aims to reduce the long-term symptoms of instability to support a return to a safe, active life.

If the kneecap dislocates regularly, it is worth considering surgery as soon as possible. Repeated dislocations increase the risk of cartilage surface damage, which can lead to cartilage wear and long-term pain. Stabilisation surgery can therefore not only help to treat instability but can also play an important role in protecting the cartilage.

It is important to know that the degree of knee pain often depends not only on the instability, but also on the condition of the cartilage. If there is already a herniated disc, stabilisation surgery alone may not always eliminate the pain completely. After the operation, an individualised rehabilitation programme will assist recovery, contributing significantly to functional improvement and quality of life.

Cartilage building treatments to preserve knee function

Kneecap sprains often result in cartilage surface damage, which can lead to long-term joint wear. To prevent this, various cartilage-building treatments are used to support cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Such treatments may include:

• hyaluronic acid injections,
• PRP (autologous blood therapy),
• collagen or other regenerative procedures.

The choice of the right therapy always depends on the extent of the injury, the condition of the cartilage and the needs of the patient. These treatments can often be used as an adjunct to surgery or, in milder cases, can be used effectively on their own.

The stages of recovery from injury to full load

Recovery from a knee cap sprain involves several steps. The stages build on each other, each serving a different purpose:

1. Acute phase (0-2 weeks): pain relief, inflammation reduction, joint relaxation.
2. Early rehabilitation (2-6 weeks): gradual movement recovery, muscle activation with physiotherapy.
3. Functional phase (6-12 weeks): range of motion, muscle strengthening, stability development.
4. Full load (from month 3): a gradual return to sporting activity with a controlled workload.

Progress is at an individual pace, but skilful management is key to a safe and lasting recovery.

The role of physiotherapy in stabilising the kneecap

The physiotherapy of stabilisation of the kneecap is one of the most important tools, whether surgery has been performed or conservative treatment is being used. The aim of a properly structured movement therapy is to:

• strengthen the muscles surrounding the kneecap, especially the hamstring muscles,
• restore the knee's range of motion,
• improve coordination and joint sensation (proprioception).

Regular, professionally guided physiotherapy reduces the chance of recurrent dislocation and ensures long-term stability and pain-free knee function.

What should we look out for in the future to prevent kneecap sprains?

Targeted muscle strengthening and maintaining knee stability are important to prevent recurrence of patellar tendonitis. The most important things to do are:

• regular physiotherapy or sport-specific strengthening,
• maintaining the balance of the thigh and hip muscles,
• learning correct movement techniques when playing sport,
• wearing appropriate footwear, especially on unstable ground.

Regular check-ups are also recommended after surgery or serious injury. The key to prevention is conscious movement and relieving the knee joint in everyday life.

Book an appointment now - Return to pain-free movement

Don't let kneecap sprains limit your daily life or sports activities! Starting the right treatment early can significantly shorten the recovery time and prevent further complications.

Dr. Peter Doszkocs and the team at the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic are committed to helping you make a full recovery - with state-of-the-art solutions, experience and care.