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Chondromalacia patella is a common cause of kneecap pain or anterior knee pain. Often called “Runner’s Knee,” this condition often affects young, otherwise healthy athletes. Chondromalacia is due to an irritation of the undersurface of the kneecap. The undersurface of the kneecap, or patella, is covered with a layer of smooth cartilage. This cartilage normally glides effortlessly across the knee during bending of the joint. However, in some individuals, the kneecap tends to rub against one side of the knee joint, and the cartilage surface become irritated, and knee pain is the result.
Chondromalacia is due to changes of the deepest layers of cartilage, causing blistering of the surface cartilage. The pattern of cartilage damage seen with chondromalacia is distinct from the degeneration seen in arthritis, and the damage from chondromalacia is thought to be capable of repair, unlike that seen with arthritis.
Chondromalacia is interesting in that it often strikes young, otherwise healthy, athletic individuals. Women are more commonly affected with chondromalacia. Exactly why this is the case is unknown, but it is thought to have to do with anatomical differences between men and women, in which women experience increased lateral forces on the patella.
Knee Chondromalicia usually causes a dull, aching pain in the front of your knee. This pain can be aggravated when you:
Treatment of patellofemoral pain often begins with simple measures. Rest your knee as much as possible. Avoid any activities that increase the pain, such as climbing stairs.
Medications: If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve).
Therapy: A physical therapist may suggest:
Rehabilitation Exercises: Specific exercises can strengthen the muscles that support your knees and control limb alignment, such as your quadriceps, hamstrings and the muscles around your hips (especially the hip abductors).
Supportive Braces: Knee braces or arch supports may help protect your joint and improve the alignment of your kneecap.
Taping: Your physical therapist may show you how to tape your knee to reduce pain and enhance your ability to exercise.
Ice: Icing your knee after exercise may be especially helpful.
Knee-Friendly Sports: During your recovery, you may want to restrict your activities to sports that are easier on the knees — such as bicycling and swimming.
If nonsurgical treatments aren’t effective, your doctor might suggest:
Arthroscopy: During this procedure, the doctor inserts an arthroscope — a pencil-thin device equipped with a camera lens and light — into your knee through a tiny incision. Surgical instruments are passed through the arthroscope to remove fragments of damaged cartilage.
Realignment: In more-severe cases, a surgeon may need to operate on your knee to realign the angle of the kneecap or relieve pressure on the cartilage.
Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will help you decide how to best treat your knee chondromalacia. Call Dr. Woodworth today at (702) 545-6194 for an appointment.
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