Chondromalacia Patellae Treatment in Knoxville

Do your feel pain when bending and extending the knee such as going up and down stairs? Is this pain focused around your knee? You may have a condition called chondromalacia patellae and just in luck, Knoxville Spine and Sports offers chondromalacia Patellae treatment in Knoxville!

What is Chondromalacia Patellae?

Chondromalacia patellae is a condition that is categorized as a softening or damage to the cartilage on the backside of the kneecap (patella) which results in pain and swelling with weight-bearing activities. Generally, this condition is diagnosed based on subjective symptoms from the patient and can be confirmed through diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray or MRI.

The Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of chondromalacia are:

• Pain around the knee
• Swelling around the patella
• The feeling of grinding around the knee with movement
• Loss of muscle strength

What Causes It?

Several different causes can contribute to this condition including:

• Anatomic asymmetries including increased Q-angle at the hip resulting in increased knee valgus and poor patellar tracking with activation of the quadriceps muscle
• Poor biomechanics of the foot and ankle in weight-bearing which is generally categorized as overpronation during the stance phase of gait or flat feet
• Muscle weakness at the knee or hip can contribute to this problem
• Women are more likely to develop this problem due to a larger Q-angle
• Poor flexibility of the lateral structure of the leg

Treatment Options for Chondromalacia Patellae

• Anti-inflammatory medication and ice can help with the pain and inflammation, possible activity modification may be necessary to calm down an acute flare-up.
• Seek out Physical therapy for pain and swelling control, stretching, strengthening, and a home exercise program.  A physical therapist can complete a comprehensive evaluation to develop an appropriate plan of care and discuss all treatment options.
• You may try a home stretching routine to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and strengthen the hips and quadriceps to create stability throughout the lower extremity.

Quality Treatment for Chondromalacia Patellae in Knoxville

If you continue to have pain and trouble performing activities due to your knee pain you should seek out medical care. Call Knoxville Spine and Sports today at (865) 229-8796 to set up your initial evaluation or fill out our online forms.