Loading icon
Health Information Center

Chondromalacia Patella

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Chondromalacia Patella

Definition

Chondromalacia patella is a wearing down of the cartilage around the kneecap.

Chondromalacia of the Knee.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Nucleus factsheet imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=49234923exh4956b.jpgexh4956b.jpgNULLjpgChondromalaciaNULL\\filer01a\Intellect\images\exh4956b.jpgNULL17NULL2003-04-16360390Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

This problem may happen due to overuse. It may also happen when a kneecap is not in line.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women. It is also more common in people under 40 years of age who are very active. The risk is greater in athletes, such as runners.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Poor training techniques, such as adding mileage too quickly
  • A change in training surfaces
  • Focusing on a single sport rather than cross training
  • Having muscles that are not balanced

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Knee pain that is worse with use, such as when running or using stairs
  • Pain that has gotten worse over time
  • A cracking sound when moving the knee
  • Pain and stiffness in the knee after sitting for a long time

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, health history, and the activities that you do. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the knee. This is enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal is to ease pain, improve motion, and stop or slow the problem from getting worse. This may be done with:

  • Home care, rest, and medicine to ease pain and swelling
  • Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the leg
  • Crutches to keep weight off the leg
  • A brace to keep the knee and foot from moving

Some people may need surgery, but it is not common.

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by:

  • Raising activity levels slowly
  • Varying activities rather than focusing on one
  • Using the right techniques when playing sports
  • Doing exercises that stretch and strengthen the leg muscles
  • Wearing proper sports shoes or corrective footwear
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Knee pain. Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries_poisoning/sports_injury/knee_pain.html.
  • Lester JD, Watson JN, et al. Physical examination of the patellofemoral joint. Clin Sports Med. 2014 Jul;33(3):403-412.
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome .
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee). Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/mens_health/patellofemoral_pain_syndrome_runners_knee_85,P07841.
  • Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/.

Contributors

  • Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Last Updated:
2023-03-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.