Chondromalacia patella
What is the chondromalaica of the patella?
Pain behind the knee cap associated with wearing of the cartilaginous surface on the back of the patella.
Grading:
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Grade 1 severity indicates softening of the cartilage in the knee area.
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Grade 2 indicates a softening of the cartilage along with abnormal surface characteristics. This usually marks the beginning of tissue erosion.
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Grade 3 shows thinning of cartilage with active deterioration of the tissue.
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Grade 4, the most severe grade, indicates exposure of the bone with a significant portion of cartilage deteriorated. Bone exposure means bone-to-bone rubbing is likely occurring in the knee
How is it commonly injured
Overuse and Patellar Mal-alignment and abnormal tracking of the patella are causes of patello-femoral pain.
Signs and Symptoms of this injury
The most common symptom of patello-femoral pain syndrome is a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee. This pain—which usually begins gradually and is frequently activity-related—may be present in one or both knees. Other common symptoms include:
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Pain during exercise and activities that repeatedly bend the knee, such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, or squatting.
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Pain after sitting for a long period of time with your knees bent, such as one does in a movie theatre or when riding on an airplane.
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Pain related to a change in activity level or intensity, playing surface, or equipment.
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Popping or crackling sounds in your knee when climbing stairs or when standing up after prolonged sitting.
Current management techniques
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Rest Ice, Compression, Elevation: all these techniques help to control the swelling and pain.
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Minimisation of strength losses via specific quadriceps exercises
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Minimisation of range of motion loss via specific exercises
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Rehabilitation is important as a lot of pain can develop and get worse quickly due to the number of steps we take each day
Global Rehabilitation Network
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We provide a complete online program of 12 consecutive weeks of instructions on how to conservatively manage this injury
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We provide a global network of therapists that can chat remotely via our Telehealth services to guide you through the process week by week for minimal cost.