Chondromalacia patellae is a common type of knee injury in which the cartilage supporting the kneecap is damaged. The resulting inflammation and displaced pieces of cartilage can cause tenderness, swelling, and aches. For most people who experience chondromalacia patellae, pain is the worst when bending at the knees, climbing or descending stairs, and standing up after sitting for long periods of time. Mild forms of the condition can usually be treated with a few weeks of rest, icing the knees, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery and physical therapy may be considered in the case of extensive cartilage damage.
Active adolescents and young adults are at the highest risk of experiencing chondromalacia patellae. Cartilage breakdown is usually caused by frequent overuse of the knee joints, as can occur while training for a sport or running for exercise on a daily basis. Occasionally, knee cartilage can be damaged following a traumatic fall or other injury. People who have flat feet, poor running techniques, or congenital abnormalities in their knees and lower legs are at an increased risk of developing symptoms.
The pain associated with chondromalacia patellae is usually isolated to the front of the knee, and the kneecap itself may be tender to the touch. If a large amount of cartilage has been damaged, bones may rub directly against each other in the joint and cause a person to feel or hear a grinding sensation when bending the leg. Swelling and redness around the kneecap are usually present as well with severe injuries.
It is a good idea to visit a doctor whenever knee pain is persistent for more than a few days or quickly getting worse. A physician can examine the knee and ask about the patient's medical history and activity levels to make a basic diagnosis. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging scans may be performed to check for cartilage and bone damage.
Most patients with relatively minor symptoms are instructed to rest their legs as much as possible for about two weeks. Applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce symptoms during the recovery phase. Once a person's knees start feeling better, he or she can gradually return to light activity. Knee braces and wraps are available at most pharmacies that can provide extra support during exercise.
A severe case of chondromalacia patellae might require arthroscopic surgery. During a minimally-invasive procedure, a surgeon can remove pieces of permanently damaged cartilage and realign healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the joint. Recovery from knee surgery may take up to six months, during which time patients are usually scheduled for physical therapy sessions to help them rebuild strength and flexibility.