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Chondromalacia Patella


About this topic


Your kneecap is also called the patella. It is part of the knee joint. It is shaped like a triangle and protects the front of the knee. The strong muscles of the front of the thigh attach to the patella. The patella helps these muscles straighten the knee. The bottom surface of the patella has a layer of cartilage on it. Cartilage is a smooth tissue. It helps the patella glide over a grove in the thigh bone when you straighten your knee. When the cartilage breaks down on the back of the patella it is called chondromalacia patella. Most of the time, people with this problem do not need surgery. If surgery is needed, there are most often good results. ‚  


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What are the causes?


Cartilage on the back of the kneecap gets worn because: ‚  
  • Injury, accident, repeated stress, or fall
  • Patella is not lined up in the right place
  • Muscles in the thigh are not balanced. One set might be weaker than the other set, like tight hamstrings or weak quadriceps.
  • Born with a problem with how the kneecap lines up

What can make this more likely to happen?


You are more likely to have this problem if you are in your teens or are a young adult. Females are more likely to have problems than males. Activities like running, jumping, skiing, soccer, and twisting can also make this condition more likely. Being overweight or having other problems with your knees also raises your chances. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Pain in the front of knee that is worse:
    • After getting up when sitting for a long time
    • Going up and down the steps
    • When squatting or kneeling
  • Grinding or cracking when the knee is bending
  • Soreness when touching the knee

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will feel around your knee. Your doctor will check the strength in your leg by pushing and pulling on your leg. The doctor will have you bend and straighten your knee while keeping a hand over your kneecap to feel for grinding. ‚  
The doctor may order: ‚  
  • X-rays
  • CT or MRI scan

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


  • Rest. Avoid activities that make the problem worse.
  • Ice
  • Keeping the knee raised
  • Brace or taping the kneecap
  • Inserts for your shoes
  • Exercises for stretching and strengthening
  • Surgery

Are there other health problems to treat?


If you are overweight, losing weight will help take strain off of your knees. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
  • Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
  • Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
  • Avoid running on hard or uneven surfaces.
  • Wear shoes with good support. Do not go barefoot.
  • Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.

Helpful tips


  • Try swimming for exercise to have less impact on the knee.
  • Avoid running down hills. Walk down instead or try running in a zigzag pattern to lessen the stress on the front of the knee.
  • If going up and down stairs is painful, try going up or down sideways until the pain lessens.

Where can I learn more?


KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/runners_knee.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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