Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome

Definition:
Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome (Runner's Knee) is a condition of degeneration of cartilage on the under surface of the patella. This is a result of abnormal patella tracking which puts excessive pressure on the patella undersurface. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, degeneration and pain.

Symptoms:
Common symptoms of chondromalacia include pain near the patella mostly on the medial (inner) side and below. Pain is usually greatest when sitting when knees bent for long periods of time, running downhill, or walking downstairs.

Cause:
This very common disorder can be cause by a number of factors including a weakened vastus medials quadriceps causing the patella to be pulled laterally, recurrent kneecap dislocations, running through a knee injury, frontal blows to the knee, wide hips or pronation of the feet.

Treatment:
Running and exercises performed with bent knee (e.g. biking and stair climbing) should be avoided to allow healing to begin. Weakened quadriceps can be strengthened by performing straight leg exercises while lying on back. Exercise should start with simply tightening the muscle above the patella and progress to straight leg lifts with light ankle weights 1 1/2 lb., 3-4 inches off the floor, 10-15 reps. Ice knee before and after exercise.

Use Gelband Patella Strap inferior to (below) the patella. Uniform pressure applied by the strap helps guide the kneecap back into the femoral groove for improved tracking. This helps spread pressure uniformly across the patella to reduce discomfort and irritation.

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