Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella is basically softening and damage of the cartilage which is covering the underside of the patella ( knee cap). This damage causes rubbing of the knee cap and thigh bone (femur) and leads to knee pain. A grinding feeling along with a dull and achy pain during the knee flexion. If you are having these symptoms you should take rest to reduce these symptoms.
Stages of Chondromalacia Patella
- Stage I:- Smoothing of the patellar cartilage.
- Stage II:- Cartilage softening with the abnormal patellar surface. Starting of tissue damage.
- Stage III:- Visual reduction in cartilage thickness with ongoing degeneration.
- Stage IV:- Bone exposure and the patellar surface starts rubbing on the femur during knee movement. This is a severe stage.
Causes
- Rubbing between the knee cap and thighbone (femur).
- The kneecap is not in the proper position.
- Tightness or weakness of the quadriceps (front thigh muscles).
- Patellar tracking on the femur is abnormal.
- Excessive activities that include knees like kneeling, jumping, running, etc.
- Direct injury or trauma to the patella (knee cap).
Risk factors
- People who are obese
- People with a previous knee injury, fracture or patellar subluxation or dislocation.
- People who do sports activities (involving knee), running, cycling, or heavy exercises.
- Females, teenagers, and young adults are more prone.
- People with flatfoot.
Symptoms
- Achy and dull pain felt behind, below, and on the sides of the knee cap.
- Grinding feels during knee flexion.
- Limitation in full joint movement
- You can also feel grinding or rubbing during going downstairs, running, and standing up.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination is performed by the doctor to identify the reason for pain.
- X-Ray examination is also required to know the joint condition.
- Blood tests are prescribed if needed – like the RA factor, Sr. creatinine, and serum urate, etc.
- MRI is performed if the diagnosis is not clear or doubtful.
- Arthroscopy procedure, to see inside the joint with the help of a flexible camera.
Treatment
- The best way to reduce the symptoms is to rest.
- Do icing on the affected area for at least 15-20 minutes, for 2-4 times in a day for at least 2 weeks. Always cover the ice with a towel or cloth.
- Drugs: Medicines are prescribed by the doctor to relieve the pain like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
- Some gels or patches are also used and applied over the skin.
- use knee brace as prescribed by the doctor.
- Physiotherapy
- Other treatment/Self-care
- Do stretching exercises ( for thigh muscles) along with strengthening.
- Try to reduce your body weight.
- Use proper shoes/footwear (proper arch support and soft soles).
- Wear proper sports footwear according to sports activity.
- Damage to the surrounding structures
- Correct the alignment of the patella (knee cap) with the use of taping.
- Surgeries
If all the nonsurgical options are failed then there will be a need for surgery:-- Chondrectomy
- Replacement of the damaged area
- Drilling to heal the damaged cartilage
- Complete patellectomy