Dislocated kneecap (Patella dislocation)

You may experience:

• Pain at the front of the knee

• Swelling, often developing rapidly after the injury

• Bruising around the knee

• Difficulty walking or weight bearing

• A feeling that the knee is unstable or may "give way"

• Reduced knee movement

• Tenderness around the kneecap

These symptoms are normal following a patella dislocation and can take several weeks to improve.

Rest and Activity Modification

It is important to remain active within your comfort limits.

You should:

• Walk as normally as possible

• Gradually increase your activity as pain allows

• Avoid twisting, pivoting, running, jumping, and high-impact activities during the early stages of recovery

• Follow any advice given regarding a knee brace or support

You may have been provided with crutches. These should be used as required for comfort and gradually reduced as your walking improves.

Ice may help reduce pain and swelling.

• Apply a wrapped ice pack to the affected area

• Leave in place for 15 to 20 minutes

• Repeat every 2 to 3 hours during the first few days if required

• Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Elevation

When resting, elevate your leg above hip level where possible to help reduce swelling.

Pain Relief

Simple pain relief such as paracetamol may help manage symptoms.

Always follow the instructions provided with the medication and seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure whether these medications are suitable for you.

It is important to begin gentle movement exercises early to prevent stiffness and maintain muscle strength.

Carry out these exercises little and often throughout the day.

Knee Bends

• Sit or lie down comfortably

• Slowly bend the knee as far as comfortable

• Slowly straighten the knee again

• Repeat 10 times

Knee Straightening

• Sit with your leg out straight

• Tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh

• Push the back of your knee gently towards the bed or floor

• Hold for 5 seconds

• Repeat 10 times

Ankle Pumps

• Sit or lie comfortably with your leg supported

• Slowly point your toes away from you

• Then pull your toes back towards you

• Continue moving your ankle up and down in a smooth pumping motion.

• Repeat 10 to 20 times

• Perform several times throughout the day

Aim to complete these exercises 3 to 4 times each day. Mild discomfort is normal, but pain should not significantly worsen following exercise.

Progressing Your Exercises

After approximately two weeks, as your pain and swelling improve, you may progress to some more challenging exercises to build strength and improve knee function.

Only progress to these exercises if you are able to complete the earlier exercises comfortably.

Standing from a Chair (Sit to Stand)

This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around your knee and hip.

• Sit on a firm chair with your feet hip-width apart.

• Lean slightly forwards

• Stand up without using your hands if possible

• Slowly lower yourself back to sitting

• Repeat 10 times

Bridges

This exercise strengthens your gluteal (buttock) muscles and the muscles at the back of your thigh.

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor

• Tighten your stomach and buttock muscles

• Lift your hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees

• Hold for 3 to 5 seconds

• Slowly lower back down

• Repeat 10 times

Calf Raises

• This exercise helps improve strength and control in your lower leg

• Stand holding onto a stable surface for support

• Slowly rise up onto your tiptoes

• Hold for 2 to 3 seconds

• Slowly lower your heels back to the floor

• Repeat 10 to 15 times

Squats

This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve stability.

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart

• Keeping your back straight, bend your knees and hips as though sitting down onto a chair

• Only squat as far as comfortable

• Return to standing

• Repeat 10 times

Tip: Initially aim for a shallow squat and gradually increase the depth as your symptoms allow.

Exercise Guidance

• Aim to complete your exercises 3 to 4 times per day

• Mild discomfort is expected, but pain should not significantly increase during or after exercise

• If swelling or pain worsens, reduce the intensity of the exercises and return to the previous stage for a few days

• Continue to increase your walking and daily activities gradually as your confidence and strength improve

Recovery following a first-time patella dislocation can take several weeks to several months.

Recovery times vary between individuals and depend on the severity of the injury.

It is common to experience occasional discomfort, mild swelling, or apprehension when returning to activities during the recovery period.

You can gradually return to normal activities as:

• Pain improves

• Swelling reduces

• Knee movement returns

• Strength improves

• You feel more confident using the knee

Higher-impact activities such as running, jumping, contact sports, and activities involving sudden changes of direction should only be resumed once you have regained adequate strength, balance, and stability.

Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on when it is safe to progress.