Understanding Chondromalacia Patella: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Non-Surgical Treatments
Credit: Nrbelex/Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 4.0
Are you an avid runner dealing with knee pain? You might be experiencing Chondromalacia Patella, a condition commonly seen in runners.
A study of New York City Marathon runners found that 42.6% of participants reported injuries, with knee pain being one of the most frequent complaints during training and the race.
If you’ve been struggling with knee discomfort, it’s important to understand whether Chondromalacia Patella could be the cause and how you can manage it to keep running pain-free.
What is Chondromalacia Patella?
Chondromalacia patella, also known as runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a common knee condition characterized by the softening, weakening, and damage of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella). This condition occurs when the patella does not glide smoothly over the femur (thigh bone) during knee movement, causing pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patella
If you have chondromalacia patella, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Dull, aching pain: Pain in the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap, often worsens with activities like climbing stairs or after sitting for an extended period. It may affect one or both knees and can radiate to the inner side of the kneecap. This pain typically starts gradually and is often related to activity. Some people may feel pain that’s not located in any specific spot.
- Knee stiffness: The knee may feel stiff and painful, especially after sitting for long periods, such as watching a movie or traveling.
- Knee “catching”: You might experience difficulty moving the knee past a certain point or feel a sudden restriction in movement.
- Knee “giving way”: The knee may unexpectedly buckle, causing a sense of instability, particularly when bending the knee repeatedly or going downstairs.
- Swelling: The knee may appear puffy or swollen due to irritation in the joint.
- Creaking or grinding sensation: You may feel or hear a creaking or grinding sound when moving the knee, although this doesn’t always indicate cartilage damage.
Common Causes of Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella typically develops when the cartilage in the knee joint becomes worn or injured. The most common causes include:
- Knee Injuries or Trauma: Previous knee injuries, such as falls or direct blows, can damage the cartilage and lead to CMP.
- Weakened Cartilage: Certain conditions or factors make the cartilage more susceptible to damage, contributing to CMP.
- Kneecap Misalignment: If the patella (kneecap) isn’t properly aligned, it can rub against the thigh bone, putting stress on the cartilage.
- Bone Shape Issues: Unusual bone shapes or structures can affect the movement of the patella, increasing the risk of cartilage damage.
- Abnormal Kneecap Movement: Irregular motion of the kneecap during activities can place extra stress on the cartilage, contributing to CMP.
- Job-Related Strain: Jobs involving repetitive knee motion or prolonged kneeling can raise the risk of developing CMP.
- Risk of Arthritis: If untreated, CMP may worsen and lead to patellofemoral osteoarthritis, a more severe form of joint degeneration.
- Overuse: Repeated movements, like running or jumping, can wear down the cartilage over time.
- Age and Degeneration: As we age, cartilage naturally breaks down, which increases the risk of chondromalacia patella.
How is Patellofemoral Pain Diagnosed?
Patellofemoral pain is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination, with common signs including:
- Pain Location: Felt just behind or next to the kneecap.
- Pain Triggers: Occurs during activities like climbing stairs, jogging, or squatting.
- No Other Clear Cause: Pain without any obvious underlying condition.
- Physical Exam: The doctor will examine the knee and may ask you to squat or step off a step.
- Symptom Questionnaires: Special questionnaires may be used to assess symptoms more accurately.
Further tests may include:
- Ruling Out Other Conditions: Checking for meniscus tears, osteoarthritis, or tendon issues.
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used if another condition is suspected, like fractures or tendon injuries.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Chondromalacia Patella
Several non-surgical treatments can help manage symptoms of Chondromalacia Patella and promote healing. These approaches focus on reducing pain and preventing further cartilage damage.
Rest and Activity Modification
Temporarily avoid activities that cause pain, such as running. Consider switching to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to reduce strain on the knee.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Physical therapy focuses on strengthening and stretching key muscle groups to improve knee stability and reduce stress on the joint. Some recommended exercises include:
- Strengthen quadriceps to support the knee
- Stretch hamstrings to reduce tension
- Strengthen hip and core muscles for better stability
- Perform exercises to improve overall leg alignment and movement
Medications
Medications can help manage pain and inflammation associated with Chondromalacia Patella. Common options include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain and inflammation
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief
RICE Method
The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) effectively reduces swelling and pain in the knee, giving it time to heal.
- Rest the knee
- Ice for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
- Compression with an elastic bandage
- Elevate the knee when resting
Supportive Devices
Supportive devices can help stabilize the knee and reduce strain during daily activities. These tools may include:
- Knee braces or patellar straps to stabilize the kneecap
- Orthotics or shoe inserts to improve foot alignment and reduce knee strain
Treatment for Chondromalacia Patella
We take a personalized approach to treating Chondromalacia Patella at Prestige Health and Wellness. Our care plan focuses on your immediate needs and long-term recovery, ensuring you return to pain-free movement as quickly and safely as possible. We provide:
- Initial Assessment: A thorough evaluation to understand the severity of the condition.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored therapy options to meet your specific needs.
- Patient Education: Practical advice on managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Treatment Options Available
Several treatment options are available to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of runner’s knee:
- Chiropractic Care: Adjustments to align the knee and surrounding joints, reducing pressure on the patella.
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs to strengthen the knee muscles, improve flexibility, and correct biomechanical issues.
- Occupational Therapy: Strategies to reduce knee strain during daily activities for those affected by the condition.
- Acupuncture: Treatment to help manage pain associated with Chondromalacia Patella.
- Massage Therapy: Deep tissue massage relieves muscle tension and improves knee function.
Get Back to Pain-Free Movement
If you’re dealing with knee pain, don’t let runner’s knee hold you back. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at Prestige Health and Wellness. Our expert team will create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to running and everyday activities without discomfort.
Sources
Habusta, S. F., Coffey, R., Ponnarasu, S., et al. (2023). Chondromalacia Patella. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459195/
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, March 15). Chondromalacia patella. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/chondromalacia-patella-a-to-z
InformedHealth.org. (2024). Overview: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee). Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561507/
McGrath, T. M., Fontana, M. A., & Toresdahl, B. G. (2024). Injury patterns and healthcare utilization by runners of the New York City Marathon. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 10(1), e001766. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001766
Zheng, W., Li, H., Hu, K., Li, L., & Bei, M. (2021). Chondromalacia patellae: current options and emerging cell therapies. Stem cell research & therapy, 12(1), 412. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02478-4
