Reviewed By Dr. Huma Ameer
Chondromalacia Patellae is a knee condition in which the cartilage that connects the undersurface of the knee bone starts softening and deteriorating, resulting in grinding sounds and moderate-to-severe knee pain. Consult an orthopedic specialist for an accurate treatment plan.
It is often considered a sports overuse injury; hence the alternative name ‘Runner’s Knee’. However, Chondromalacia patellae can also affect older arthritic individuals, among others.
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When bending, the backside of the kneecap or patella glides over the knee joint, but due to the presence of a smooth layer of cartilage, the bones move smoothly without any friction. However, due to continued overuse or misaligned joints, this cartilage starts softening and deteriorating overtime; leaving little protection between the bone ends and causing them to rub against one another in a painful manner.
Issues with kneecap movement may be due to one or more of the following reasons:
A constant, dull, aching pain in the front of the knee is the most common symptom of chondromalacia. This pain worsens when:
Grinding and cracking, or creaky, sounds and sensations when bending, extending, or moving the knee in general are also common; although the creaky sounds may not always be a result of chondromalacia.
Another sign is trouble moving the knee joint past a certain point, along with unexpected ‘buckling’ of the knee joint, especially when bent repeatedly.
The affected knee may also appear puffy or swollen. The top orthopedic surgeon in Karachi will likely be able to help with this condition.
Chondromalacia Patellae is more common in sports which require placing frequent and excess pressure on the knee joints, such as running, football, cycling, tennis, volleyball, skiing, weightlifting, snowboarding, gymnastics, and ballet. However, the following factors can also predispose someone to developing the condition:
The gradual progression of chondromalacia patellae is organized into 4 stages according to severity:
Chondromalacia patella is largely a self-healing condition, and the pain can be easily relieved through non-surgical means. So contact your doctor if knee pain develops suddenly and lasts longer than a few days.
You can also book an appointment with a top Orthopedic Specialist in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
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