Chondromalacia Patellae
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Q:
What about Surgery for Chondromalacia?
Answered by
Kevin Stone M.D.
on December 13, 2001
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A:
If there is a defined lesion found, then there are several options for treating the damaged cartilage, from smoothing it to stimulating cartilage repair.
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Q:
Would a knee brace be enough support to actually cause my patella to track properly during weight lifting until the inner quad gets stronger?
Answered by
Dr. Kevin Stone M.D.
on December 13, 2001
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A:
It helps but is not usually enough.
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Q:
I was recently diagnosed with Chondromalacia. My doctor said that the cartilage is so damaged that I will need another surgery in a couple of years to smooth it out again. Yesterday, I rode the stationary bike for a short period of time and afterward began having pain just below and on the inside of the kneecap. It is a burning pain that is unlike the pain that I have previously experienced. Is this related to the Chondromalacia? What is the best treatment?
Answered by
David Golden M.D.
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A:
The best and most obvious treatment is to avoid painful activities. Chondromalacia patella is part of a pain syndrome known as anterior knee pain. It may have more than one specific cause. If the pain is different from the previous pain for which you had surgery, there may be another cause. Be sure to follow up with your surgeon for an examination.
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Q:
I have had my knee scoped twice in the past 19 months as a result of Chondromalacia. I have since run a marathon and am planning on running another. These days, I get an intense pain in my knee shortly after I have completed a run. The pain runs directly down the center of my kneecap, and persists for about 30 minutes post-run. Taking ibuprofen before I run helps during the run, but the pain comes back after the run. What could this be?
Answered by
David Golden M.D.
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A:
There may be cartilage damage that may lead to arthritis. Running marathons is extremely rough on joints because with each step your knee absorbs four to eight times of your body weight. Although most marathon runners do not like to stop running, you should avoid the inciting activity. “Working through” the pain does not bode well for the cartilage, if that is the source of your pain. Be sure to have your doctor evaluate you. The condition of your cartilage should be documented by the arthroscopies you recently had. Be sure conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis are ruled out and treated before continuing with your running regimen.
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Q:
I was recently diagnosed with grade-II Chondromalacia, what does this mean? What should I do?
Answered by
David Golden M.D.
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A:
Chondromalacia is a term applied to the condition of the cartilage of the undersurface of the knee. Degeneration of the cartilage can lead to arthritis and pain. Initial treatment for this condition consists of rest, ice, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medications. The grades assigned to the condition worsen as the grade increases. If the pain continues, be sure to see your doctor and have your knee evaluated.
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Q:
I am a runner who has recently been diagnosed with Chondromalacia; I want to continue my running, am I hastening the deterioration of my knee joint? Do I need to stop running altogether?
Answered by
David Golden M.D.
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A:
Modification of activities is the initial step in treatment, along with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. You should modify your running to below your pain threshold. If you continue to press your training, you risk injuring the knee further. Sometimes, after the resolution of symptoms, the amount of running can be slowly increased back to your baseline. But be sure to avoid the pain.
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Q:
Will Chondromalacia heal with rest, ice, and elevation?
Answered by
David Golden M.D.
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A:
Cartilage damage can improve with the treatment you describe. The damage can vary in degree and the earlier the condition is treated, the better your chance for recovery. Be sure to avoid activities that induce pain.
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