Chondromalacia patella, or runner’s knee, is caused by damage to the cartilage under the kneecap. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and a grinding sound when extending the knee. Treatment includes rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and muscle-strengthening exercises. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Chondromalacia patella, also known as runner’s knee, is a condition resulting from damage to the cartilage under the kneecap. Most people with this condition notice pain in their knees, especially if they climb stairs or kneel down. Squatting can prove painful, and sitting for long periods of time can also cause knee discomfort. Those with chondromalacia may also be able to hear an audible “grinding” sound when they extend their knees.
The pain felt with chondromalacia is usually in the front of the kneecap. Some people may also feel that their knees feel stiff. The pain is generally described as more annoying than debilitating, and when the knees are rested, it can improve to some degree.
There are a number of things that can cause chondromalacia. Sometimes people, such as runners, who use their knee joints a lot can develop the condition. Other times, arthritis in the knees can cause it. Failure to stretch before exercise can damage the cartilage in your knee. Excessive weight can contribute to it, or even something as simple as wearing poorly fitting shoes can cause the condition.
If you suspect that you have chondromalacia, you should visit a doctor. Diagnosis is usually made by physical exam, but a doctor might order tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out additional or other conditions. The standard treatment for the condition is to make sure you avoid activities that are hard on your knees, such as going up and down stairs. For added comfort, doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, or occasionally acetaminophen is prescribed for pain relief.
Doctors may also suggest some muscle-strengthening exercises. These are usually done simply and can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees and hip muscles. Chondromalacia usually resolves with rest in about six weeks. However, the condition can be more serious and take longer to resolve in some people.
When chondromalacia doesn’t resolve with treatment, doctors may recommend certain surgical techniques to help. One such surgery, arthroscopy, cleans out pieces of damaged cartilage from the knees, but there is some question as to whether this surgery will prove effective in the long term. Occasionally the condition is caused by a misaligned kneecap and requires surgery to realign the kneecap. This is a more extensive surgical procedure than arthroscopy. Most people will not require surgery and will be able to recover with adequate rest and adherence to the exercise plan provided by their doctors.
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