Chondromalacia Patellae, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, may be defined as a common knee disorder that usually presents with anterior knee pain. This refers to the discomfort arising from the anterior aspect of the knee joint. The symptoms include damage or injury to the cartilage under the knee cap. This condition has numerous causes.
Causes of Chondromalacia Patellae
Patellar chondromalacia is caused when the patella does not smoothly glide along the femoral groove, leading to abnormal movements in the knee cap during joint flexion. The cause behind this could be:
Muscle Imbalances
Such weakness or tightness in the muscles around the knee, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings, may affect the normal tracking of the patella.
Overuse/Repetitive Stress
Frequent flexion and extension of the knee during activities like running, jumping, or squatting places great stress on the joint and injures the articular cartilage.
Trauma or Injury
An injury or an impact directly on the knee may damage the cartilage around the patella, resulting in chondromalacia patellae.
Mal-alignment and Structural Abnormalities
Certain structural abnormalities like abnormal tilt of patella or shallow groove over the femoral surface could also play a part in the onset of this condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patellae
The primary symptom of chondromalacia patellae is pain in the front of the knee. The patients, when asked, cannot localise the pain to any specific area and cover the whole of the knee with their palm when asked to locate the site of pain.
Other common symptoms may include:
- Pain aggravated by activities that involve bending the knee, such as climbing stairs, squatting, or kneeling.
- A grinding or popping sensation when moving the knee.
- Swelling and tenderness around the kneecap.
- Stiffness or a feeling of weakness in the knee joint.
Chondromalacia Patellae Treatment
The treatment of chondromalacia patellae focuses on reducing pain, restoring normal knee function, and addressing the underlying causes. The following approaches are commonly employed:
Rest and Activity Modification
Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain and reducing the overall stress on the knee can help in the healing process.
Physical Therapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee, mainly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can help improve patellar tracking and reduce pain.
Pain Management
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Orthotics and Braces
The use of shoe inserts (orthotics) or braces can provide support to the knee joint and help with proper alignment and movement.
PRP and Regeneration
Ultrasound-guided injection of PRP into the knee joint helps regenerate and improve the strength of the knee cartilage. With regeneration and exercises, the patients usually remain pain-free for a long time.
Surgical intervention
In severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, arthroscopic surgery may be considered. This procedure involves removing damaged cartilage or realigning the patella to improve its tracking.
At Pain Medics Clinic
Pain Medics Clinic is a renowned clinic in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula for delivering exceptional care to patients experiencing Chondromalacia Patellae. A strong reputation has been established for accurately diagnosing and evaluating Chondromalacia Patellae and providing tailored treatment plans for enduring relief. Our team consists of skilled doctors and specialists utilizing the most advanced medical techniques to ensure you receive the best treatment for a successful recovery. We consistently prioritize identifying the underlying issue to help you regain greater mobility and improved well-being. Pain Medics Clinic is recognized as one of the top facilities for Chondromalacia Patellae treatment in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Contact Details
Clinic Name: Pain Medics Clinic
Address: SCO 212, Sector 40D, Chandigarh, 160036
Phone Number: +91 94787 67649
Email: painmedicsclinic@gmail.com
