Chondromalacia
Runner's Knee
If you experience chondromalacia, a type of runner’s knee, you may feel pain, grinding and grating when you bend your knee. That’s because the back of your kneecap is inflamed, and the shock-absorbing cartilage underneath it has softened.
For help getting relief from your discomfort, rely on the skilled physicians at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance.
What causes chondromalacia?
Knee injuries and overuse can trigger chondromalacia. You face a higher risk of the condition if you participate in athletic activities — such as running, gymnastics, or swimming — that involve repetitive knee movements or frequent impacts to your leg. A misaligned kneecap and femur may also contribute to chondromalacia.
Diagnosing Chondromalacia
Your knee specialist will ask if you experience chondromalacia symptoms, such as knee tenderness and joint pain that worsens when you climb stairs or sit for a long time. Your doctor will also gently rotate and bend your knee to see how it responds and to determine the source of your joint pain.
Treating Chondromalacia
- Avoiding athletic activities that stress your knee
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Wearing shoes — or orthotic shoe inserts — that absorb some of the impact to your knee as you walk
- Participating in knee therapy and rehabilitation
Chondromalacia Surgery
If conservative measures don’t fully ease your pain, your doctor may recommend a surgical joint restoration technique such as:
- Removing damaged cartilage in a minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedure that reduces discomfort and recovery time
- Realigning your knee with your thighbone or shinbone during an osteotomy that eases painful pressure on damaged cartilage
- Regenerating your own cartilage in a lab and implanting the new tissue into your knee
Schedule Your Chondromalacia Consultation
If you are experiencing knee pain, grinding, or grating sensations, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our knee specialists in Southeastern Wisconsin are ready to help you find relief.