Chondromalacia Patella Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What Is Chondromalacia Patella?

Chondromalacia Patella, usually described as an overload injury, is where the cartilage behind the patella deteriorates and softens. The cartilage acts as a natural shock absorber, so when it deteriorates your knees have a reduced ability to absorb the movements from day-to-day use, resulting in pain. While this might sound like osteoarthritis, this condition differs because the cartilage is only deteriorating on one side of the patellar whereas it deteriorates on both sides in osteoarthritis.

Chondromalacia patella is a graded condition, with grades based on the amount of cartilage deteriorated; more severe cases may require surgery to treat. This condition is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain in adolescents and young adults.

What Are The Symptoms?

• Dull, aching pain that is felt:Behind the kneecap Below the kneecap On the sides of the kneecap
• Behind the kneecap
• Below the kneecap
• On the sides of the kneecap
• A feeling of grinding or cracking when the knee is flexed

What Can I Do At Home?

There are several things that you can do from home to help relieve the pain of Chondromalacia Patella. They include:

• Resting the knee and limiting physical activity
• Wearing supportive and well fitting shoes
• Ice to reduce the pain of an acute flare up, but it is not recommended as a long term treatment