Temporarily resting or immobilizating the knee and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin may help relieve pain. Physical therapy, especially quadriceps strengthening and hamstring stretching, may be helpful.
Participation in sports or strenuous activity should be limited until the pain has gone away. Activities that increase the knee pain, such as deep knee bends, should be avoided until the pain improves.
If the alignment of the patella that cannot be corrected with therapy, surgery may be an option. Depending on the nature of the misalignment, the surgery may be arthroscopic (using a camera, which allows a smaller incision) or open.
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