chondromalacia

What is Chondromalacia?

Chondromalacia, also known as runner's knee, is a common condition that causes pain in the kneecap (patella). It occurs when the cartilage on the underside of the patella becomes irritated, worn, or cracked, leading to friction and grinding between the kneecap and the knee joint.

Causes and Symptoms

The condition can be caused by overuse, improper knee alignment, or trauma to the knee. Symptoms include:

• Pain in the kneecap, especially when climbing stairs, playing sports that exert an axial load on the knee, or sitting for a long time
• Grinding or rubbing sensation between the kneecap and the knee joint during movement
• Generalized knee pain

Stages of Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia can progress to more severe stages if left untreated. These include:

• Early changes in the cartilage on the underside of the patella (chondromalacia patella)
• Softening of the articular cartilage on the posterior surface of the patella (chondromalacia patellae)
• Complete loss of cartilage with exposed subchondral bone (chondromalacia)

Treatment and Management

While chondromalacia can be a persistent condition, there are various treatment options available. These include:

• Resting the knee and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain
• Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve knee alignment
• Orthotics or shoe inserts to correct improper knee alignment
• In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged cartilage

References

[1] Chondromalacia patella causes the cartilage underneath the kneecap to deteriorate and wear out, leading to pain, stiffness, ... (Search result 7) [2] Chondromalacia occurs when the underside of the kneecap becomes irritated, worn, or cracked. Healthy smooth cartilage helps protect your knee joint and bones from impact and friction. (Search result 12) [3] Chondromalacia is often seen as an overuse injury in sports, and sometimes taking a few days off from training can produce good results. In other cases, improper knee alignment is the cause, and ... (Search result 11)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia, also known as runner's knee, is a condition characterized by the softening or wear and tear of cartilage behind the kneecap (patella). The symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Knee Pain: A dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, behind the kneecap is the most common symptom. This pain can get worse when going up or down stairs.
• Pain after Sitting: The knee may be painful and stiff when standing up after sitting for a long time.
• Grinding Sensation: A grating or grinding sensation when the knee is straightened, which can be felt as the kneecap rubs against the joint.
• Increased Pain with Activity: Pain during or after vigorous activities such as running, climbing stairs, or jumping.
• Swelling: Swelling or inflammation in the knee area.

Other Symptoms

• Poorly localized pain in the anterior portion of the knee
• Knee stiffness and/or pain after prolonged sitting
• Crepitus (popping or clicking sound produced by bones rubbing against each other)

These symptoms can vary in severity and may not be present all the time. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

• [3] Chondromalacia patellae is a condition where there is damaged cartilage behind the patella (kneecap). It is like a softening or wear and tear of the cartilage. The damage can range from slight to severe.
• [4] The most common symptoms of chondromalacia patellae are poorly localized, aching pain in the anterior portion of the knee that is exacerbated by flexing the knee (e.g., when going up and down a flight of stairs).
• [5] Chondromalacia patella can develop gradually, when the cartilage on the underside of a person’s knee wears away, causing grinding and rubbing of the kneecap over the knee joint during movement.
• [6] Swelling or a grinding feeling in the knee are common. The main symptom is knee pain that worsens: • After being seated for a long time. • When getting out of a chair.
• [7] The main symptom of chondromalacia patellae is anterior knee pain, which is exacerbated by common daily activities that load the patellofemoral joint, such as climbing stairs or running.
• [8] What Are the Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patella? · Discomfort in the inner front side of the knee · Aggravation of discomfort due to activity – running, climbing ...
• [9] Result: knee pain, aches, soreness, or discomfort
• [10] Chondromalacia Symptoms The most common symptoms of chondromalacia are knee pain and tenderness that increases after sitting for a prolonged period of time.
• [11] Symptoms. Symptoms of chondromalacia include knee tenderness and pain that increases after sitting for a prolonged period of time, using stairs or getting out of a chair.
• [13] Symptoms of chondromalacia include: pain in or around the knee, especially on climbing stairs, during intense activity, or after staying in one position for a length of time;
• [14] Symptoms of chondromalacia. The most common symptom of chondromalacia is a dull, aching pain in the front of your knee, behind your kneecap. This pain can get worse when you go up or down stairs.

Diagnostic Tests for Chondromalacia Patellae

Chondromalacia patellae, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition characterized by cartilage softening under the kneecap (patella). Diagnosing this condition can be challenging, but various tests can help confirm the presence of chondromalacia patellae. Here are some diagnostic tests used to diagnose and grade chondromalacia patellae:

• Patellar Grind Test: Also known as Clarke's sign, this is a simple procedure that helps assess the reason for knee pain. The test involves applying pressure on the kneecap while it is in a flexed position, which can cause grinding or crunching sensations if cartilage is present [1].
• Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests can help diagnose and grade chondromalacia patellae. These include:
  • X-rays: Can show bone damage, misalignment, or arthritis [2][3]
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Can view cartilage damage and other soft tissue injuries [4][5]
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help rule out some types of arthritis or inflammation [2]
• Arthroscopy: A surgeon can use an arthroscope to visually examine the interior of the knee joint, which can help assess cartilage damage [6]

These diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of chondromalacia patellae and determine its severity. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 3 & 4 [3] Context 5 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 6 [6] Context 7

Treatment Options for Chondromalacia Patella

Chondromalacia patella, also known as runner's knee, can be treated with various medications and therapies to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs): May be prescribed to reduce discomfort and inflammation in the affected area. This type of medication includes ibuprofen and naproxen, which can help ease pain and swelling.
• Painkillers: Paracetamol may be advised to ease the pain associated with chondromalacia patella. However, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects [5].
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Several weeks of anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms [4].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to medication, other treatment options for chondromalacia patella include:

• Physiotherapy: To strengthen muscles around the knee joint and improve overall mobility.
• Weight loss: If overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce pressure on the knee joint and alleviate symptoms.

Surgical Options

In severe cases of chondromalacia patella, surgical options may be considered. One such option is:

• Chondrectomy (shaving): A procedure where the damaged cartilage is shaved down to the non-damaged cartilage underneath [6].

It's essential to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of chondromalacia patella.

References: [1] Context 2 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6

Differential Diagnosis of Chondromalacia Patellae

Chondromalacia patellae, also known as runner's knee, is a condition characterized by the softening and degeneration of the articular cartilage on the posterior surface of the patella. When diagnosing this condition, it's essential to consider other potential causes