Chondromalacia Patellae

Chondromalacia Patellae, also known as runner’s knee, is a condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap deteriorates and softens, leading to knee pain, especially during activities like running, jumping, or going up and down stairs.

Causes :-
  • Overuse or repetitive stress on the knee joint, common in athletes or individuals who engage in activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or squatting
  • Muscle imbalances or weakness in the muscles around the knee
  • Injury or trauma to the knee, such as a direct blow or fall
  • Poor biomechanics or alignment of the lower extremity, such as flat feet, knock knees
  • Genetic factors or anatomical variations in the shape or structure of the knee joint

Symptoms :-
  • Knee pain, especially around or behind the kneecap, that worsens with activities
  • Grinding or popping sensations in the knee joint, particularly when bending or straightening the knee
  • Swelling or inflammation around the kneecap
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in the knee
  • Weakness or instability in the knee
  • Pain or discomfort during prolonged sitting with the knees bent

Diagnosis :-
  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Imagine studies such as x ray, MRI, CT scan

Physiotherapy Treatment :-
  • Strengthening exercises: Targeting the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and muscles that support the hip and pelvis, can help improve knee stability and alignment, reducing stress on the patellar cartilage
  • Stretching tight muscles, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and iliotibial (IT) band, can help improve flexibility and reduce tension on the knee joint
  • Patellar mobilization
  • Biomechanical assessment and correction
  • Modalities such as ice therapy, heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation
  • Activity medication
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