Chondromalacia Knee Pain

Chondromalacia is knee pain that results from the irritation and inflammation of the cartilage on the back of the patella (knee cap) rubbing against the knee joint behind it.

Symptoms

• Chondromalacia is characterized by a dull, achy pain in the front of the knee that increases with going up and down stairs, squatting, or sitting for a long time. Sometimes a grinding sensation can be felt when the knee is extended.

Causes

• Potential causes of chondromalacia are overuse of the muscles surrounding the knee, muscle weakness in the thigh or hips (especially the outside of the hips), tight hamstrings or calf muscles, faulty biomechanics, flat feet, and arthritis of the knee joint.

Risk Factors

• Persons who perform exercises that involve running, jumping, squatting, or kneeling are at a greater risk of developing chondromalacia than those who do not participate in such activities.

Treatment

• Initial treatment of chondromalacia includes resting, icing the sore areas, wearing a compression wrap, elevating the injured leg, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the alignment of the patella (kneecap).

Prevention/Solution

• To help to prevent chondromalacia, correct any faulty biomechanics, wear proper footwear, and stretch and strengthen the muscles around the hips and knees.