More about Chondromalacia...

Some Common Causes

  • It is caused when your kneecap rubs against the lower end of the femur - your thighbone - instead of gliding smoothly over it.
  • This constant rubbing wears away at the cartilage underneath the kneecap and this degeneration helps to cause the pain.
  • The damage can be relatively minor or very serious depending on the amount of damage. A severe blow to the knee can even cause a piece of cartilage or bone to shear off.
  • Overuse or as a result of an accident to the knee.
  • When your feet pronate (bend inwards) causing an imbalance around the knee.
  • Tight leg muscles such as hamstrings or quadriceps can contribute to this condition.
  • Older people can develop this condition as it is associated with osteoarthritis.

The Main Symptoms

  • Mild dull, and even severe pain in and around the knee.
  • This pain can increase when you walk up or down stairs, walk on a hill or cambered surface, take part in any activity that involves the knee bearing your weight or running and sports activities.
  • A grating or grinding noise when the knee moves.
  • The knee may feel like it "gives way" sometimes.
  • The knee feels very stiff.

Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist

Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia is the presence of chronic pain behind, or around your kneecap. There may be an abnormal softening of the cartilage that will make it difficult to walk.

Suggested Treatments for Chondromalacia

Rest and cold treatment with an ice pack to help reduce the swelling.

Stretching the hamstrings and quadriceps to help strengthen them.
You can also strengthen these muscle groups by engaging in low impact exercise such as swimming, stationary cycling in a gym or at home.
Some relief can be gained by wearing a knee brace.
Wearing stable footwear.

Using an orthotic or other insole to provide support to your foot and helping realign it to a normal position.

Using normal pharmacy pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs available over-the-counter like aspirin etc.

Surgery might be done if none of the above work.

Treating your condition

The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:

Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber:  You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.

Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.