Chondromalacia Patellae - Find Chondromalacia Patellae Information & Chondromalacia Products

People with Chondromalacia Patellae may find it difficult to move their knee, with pain located either behind or around the kneecap. Chondromalacia Patellae is an abnormal softening of the cartilage, but is easily treated with rest and ice to reduce swelling.

Doctors also suggest the following treatment options for Chondromalacia Patellae:

EXERCISE: Even though you may think staying off your feet completely will help relieve the pain from Chondromalacia Patellae, swimming, riding a stationary bike or engaging in other low-impact exercises can also help lessen pain from Chondromalacia Patellae.

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN MUSCLE: Engaging in low impact exercises that strengthen and stretch the leg muscles, with focus on the quadriceps and hamstrings, can relieve pain from Chondromalacia Patellae.

WEAR SUPPORTS: Using a knee brace provides relief from Chondromalacia Patellae.

WEAR GOOD SHOES: Wearing shoes with added arch supports, especially during exercise or walking, is crucial to treating Chondromalacia Patellae.

OTC PAIN RELIEF: Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain from Chondromalacia Patellae.

If the knee pain and swelling due to Chondromalacia Patellae persists, consult your physician. Orthotics and/or surgery may be required to treat your case of Chondromalacia Patellae.

Quick Facts on Chondromalacia Patellae:

Also called: You may hear doctors refer to Chondromalacia Patellae as either Patella Femoral Syndrome or Runner’s Knee Syndrome.

Main cause of pain: Chondromalacia Patellae occurs when the kneecap rubs against the lower end of the femur – the thighbone – instead of gliding smoothly over it. This repetition roughens the cartilage underneath the kneecap.

Contributing factors: Trauma, overuse, muscle weakness, age, tight hamstrings, tight heel cords, tight quadriceps or mal-alignment can lead to the development of Chondromalacia Patellae.

Risks: The damage of Chondromalacia Patellae can range from a slight abnormality of the cartilage surface, to a surface that has been completely worn away to the bone. Traumatic cases of Chondromalacia Patellae occur when a blow to the kneecap actually tears off a piece of articular cartilage or bone.

Sufferers: Runners, skiers, cyclists and soccer players most often come down with Chondromalacia Patellae.

Remember that pain from Chondromalacia Patellae may become even worsen when taking part in the following activities:

Continuing to run or play sports, even with the pain of Chondromalacia Patellae slowing you down.
Taking part in any activity that forces the knee to bear weight as it’s straightened can worsen pain from Chondromalacia Patellae.
Walking up or down stairs can increase the pain from Chondromalacia Patellae.
Walking on a hill can contribute to the pain of Chondromalacia Patellae.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like Chondromalacia Patellae provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.