Chondromalacia Patella Treatment in Chillicothe, OH
Your kneecap, or patella, is a small, flat, triangular bone at the front of your knee joint. Its purpose is to protect the knee joint.
Like all bone surfaces found in joints, the back of the kneecap is covered in cartilage. This provides a smooth surface to allow the bones to slide freely in the joint.
Because the knee is one of the body’s weight-bearing joints and plays a major role in your mobility, if this cartilage (or any other component of the knee) is injured, it will have an impact on your lifestyle and well-being.
Chondromalacia patella, or runner’s knee, is one such injury.
Chondromalacia Patella (Runner’s Knee) Causes
Chondromalacia patella, or runner’s knee, is the softening or wearing away of the articular cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. Chondro means cartilage and malacia means abnormal softening of the tissues.
Although it is called runner’s knee, chondromalacia patella can have many causes, including:
- Too much activity involving the knee – this can include walking, running, skiing, biking and jumping
- Weakness of the muscles around the knee
- Knee trauma such as a blow to the knee
- Poor kneecap alignment
- Flat feet
- Body composition
Runner’s Knee Symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom of chondromalacia patella. It is caused by the knee and thigh bone rubbing together. Other symptoms may include the following:
- Inflammation
- A feeling of grinding when extending or bending your knee
- Pain after sitting for an extended period of time
- Pain after exercising, especially after activities that involve running or squatting
- Pain while walking or while climbing or descending stairs
If you are experiencing knee pain, you should contact Dr. Cohen’s office immediately. A delay in medical care can result in unnecessary pain and may exacerbate the injury.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen utilizes the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state of the art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience help ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Diagnosing Runner’s Knee
If you have a knee injury, Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will obtain a complete “history of present illness” from you and conduct a focused, comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your knee for areas of tenderness, assess stability and range of motion and establish if you have normal or decreased strength. Depending on the findings they may order an X-ray, even though an X-ray cannot show chondromalacia patella. (An X-ray can help Dr. Cohen rule out other reasons for your pain.) They may also order an MRI to help detect chondromalacia patella.
They may order an X-ray, even though an X-ray cannot show chondromalacia patella. An X-ray can help Dr. Cohen rule out other reasons for your pain. He may also order an MRI to help detect chondromalacia patella.
Dr. Cohen may also use arthroscopy to diagnose chondromalacia patella. During arthroscopic surgery a small incision is made in the knee area. Dr. Cohen then uses an arthroscope, a device about the size of a pencil that carries a tiny video camera, to look inside the knee at the cartilage.
Chondromalacia Patella Treatment Options
Chondromalacia patella treatment depends on its severity.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Chondromalacia patella may be treated without surgery with the following:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Stabilizing the joint with a supportive brace
- Physical therapy
- Orthotic shoes
- Modification of activities
Surgical Treatment
Unfortunately, recovery is not always possible and some individuals with chondromalacia patella require surgical treatment. Any surgical treatment will depend on your condition, other associated injuries, as well as your health and lifestyle. Surgical treatments may include cartilage transplant, a lateral release, a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are suffering from knee pain, schedule a personal consultation with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Cohen by calling or emailing his office today. Dr. Cohen has extensive knee pain treatment experience and can help you learn more about your knee pain treatment options.
