Welcome to the first edition of The Patellar Tracker.

After years of dealing with patellar tracking issues (kneecap subluxations and dislocations), I realized how frustrating it can be to find answers.

There is a lot of information online, but I struggled to understand what was actually causing my symptoms or how to manage them long-term. What I needed was a community of people with the same issue. When I couldn’t find that, I created The Patellar Tracker.

No matter where you are in your journey, The Patellar Tracker is here to help you better understand your knees, find strategies that work, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Patellar Tracking Disorder is a broad term that can refer to a range of conditions, but it all stems from the kneecap (patella) not moving smoothly within the groove at the end of the thigh bone (the trochlea) as the knee bends and straightens.

The kneecap may shift, tilt, or move slightly out of its ideal position. For some people, this can lead to pain, clicking, grinding, swelling, feelings of instability, or even repeated subluxations and dislocations.

Patellar tracking is influenced by more than just the kneecap itself. Factors that can play a role include:

Understanding why your kneecap moves the way it does is the first step toward finding the right strategies to improve stability and stay active.

Dealing with knee pain or instability? Here are five exercises that can help improve strength, stability, and control for people with patellar tracking issues.

After dislocating my kneecaps over 30 times and years of trying different braces, I decided to build the knee sleeve I always wished existed.

As someone with Patella Alta, I’ve played football, wrestled, and trained MMA while relying on J-pad braces to keep my knees stable. They worked, but most were bulky, hot, and built for the patient and not the athlete.

That’s why I’m building ALIGN: a J-pad knee sleeve designed to provide the support athletes need without sacrificing mobility, comfort, or style.

The first prototype is weeks away, with manufacturers and medical professionals helping bring this idea to life. I’ll be documenting the entire journey. From design and testing to breakthroughs and setbacks.

But this project isn’t just about me. The community will help shape ALIGN. Your experiences, feedback, and critiques will help build a product that truly meets the needs of the people who use it.

Follow along and help build ALIGN from the ground up.

Thanks for joining the journey!

Whether you’re dealing with patellar instability yourself or just want to better understand your knees, I’m glad you’re here.

The goal of The Patellar Tracker is to educate, build community, and enable people to stay active while creating a lasting impact for those with patellar tracking disorder.

I’m excited to have you along for the journey.