Chondromalacia patella is one of the most common causes of knee pain.. It is the degeneration of the cartilage of this joint and can appear as early as adolescence. A sedentary lifestyle or overexertion in sports activities can favor the appearance of this pathology.
Below, we tell you in detail what chondromalacia patella is, its symptoms and how to treat it.
What is chondromalacia patellae?
We call cartilage wear and tear chondromalacia. In this case, it happens in the knee joint, in the posterior capsule of the patella. The cartilage in this area begins to soften and, if not remedied, may end up disappearing completely.
Causes of chondromalacia patellae
When it comes to joint wear, age is a factor to take into account. However, chondromalacia patella is also common among young people.
The causes of chondromalacia They are very varied:
- Genetic factors that alter the structure of the knee or produce an incorrect footprint.
- Decompensations of the quadriceps muscles. What can happen both due to excessive exercise and sedentary lifestyle.
- Visceral dysfunctions, which increase tension in the muscle chain that affects the quadriceps muscles.
- Trauma, either from repetition or a single impact.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
Can chondromalacia patellae be prevented?
Despite the diversity of the causes, some basic good practices can prevent the appearance of chondromalacia patellae.
- Respect the body's rest periods and do not overexert yourself in sports activities.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Low-impact sports on the knee, such as cycling or swimming, are perfect.
- Take care of your diet. In this way, overweight is avoided and internal organs are kept in good condition. It is always a good idea to avoid ultra-processed foods.
- In the event of biomechanical imbalances, go to a podiatrist to perform a footstep study. An insole can prevent the cartilage in your knee from wearing down.
- Go to a health professional if you have pain in the knee area.
Symptoms of chondromalacia patellae
The clearest symptom is pain in the front of the knee, especially when performing movements such as going up or down stairs. It can also appear after spending some time sitting, such as when we are driving or at the movies.
Noises or cracking sounds may appear when you move your knee, due to wear and tear of the cartilage.
Treatments for chondromalacia patellae
He chondromalacia treatment It will depend on its cause. Cartilage does not regenerate, so it is important to go to a traumatology specialist so that you can find the specific treatment for our case.
If the origin is a muscle imbalance, the physiotherapist will design a exercise program for chondromalacia patellae. If it is a biomechanical alteration, we may need surgery. Diet changes can also help.
What is the operation for chondromalacia patellae?
It uses the knee arthroscopy for chondromalacia patellae. It is a minimally invasive operation in which the worn cartilage is repaired, which gives us back the freedom of movement of the knee without pain.
For a complete recovery, surgery is complemented with other non-invasive procedures.
Advantages of knee arthroscopy for chondromalacia patellae.
The knee arthroscopy It is a minimally invasive technique, which respects the tissues as much as possible. An optic is inserted through small incisions, which allow the injury to be treated in a simple way without having to open the knee.
Normally the patient is discharged the same day as the intervention, and the recovery time is shorter than that of conventional knee surgery.
Consequences of chondromalacia.
Chondromalacia can cause complete loss of cartilage in the kneecap. If not treated in time, it can also lead to a decrease in the functionality of the knee. It is essential not to postpone a visit to the doctor if we feel pain in the knee or mobility problems.
How long does chondromalacia patella take to heal?
In most cases, a conservative treatment of chondromalacia to find improvement in a few weeks, although, if we do not take care of our weight, diet and the type of sports activities, the symptoms could reappear.
If surgery is necessary, the total recovery time usually lasts between two and six months.
Chondromalacia patella is very common. It is a pathology that can appear from adolescence or youth. If you have any problem with pain or lack of mobility in the knee joint, it is best not to delay and go to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can significantly speed recovery
At Elgeadi Traumatology we combine the latest technology with the best professionals in minimally invasive techniques, always in the hands of the best team of specialists in traumatology of Madrid.
32 thoughts on “¿Qué es la condromalacia rotuliana?”
How much would an operation for Chondromalacia patella cost?
Knee Arthroscopy.
If I wanted to operate on my own.
Hello Jesus,
Thank you very much for commenting on the Elgedi Traumatología blog. For information about our interventions and rates, you can contact our traumatologists at 910 053 900 or send us an email to [email protected]
We will be looking forward to helping you. All the best.
Hello, I had an MRI and it showed me that I have a grade 3 patellar chondral injury... I am in kinesiology but the pain sensations are no longer there but there is a little discomfort when walking...
Good morning Moses,
In order to offer you a complete diagnosis, it would be necessary for you to come to our trauma clinic, where we can evaluate the affected area.
All the best.
Hello Dr, I'm Ana, the ultrasound showed enthesopathic changes in the upper anterior margin of both patellas and slight thinning of the trochlear cartilage, with a degenerative appearance. Also, slight irregularity of the femorotibial cortices, with a degenerative appearance. With this, please do I have to have surgery Dr? I await a response. Thank you
Hello Ana Maria,
A priori there is no need to operate, the first line is always medical and rehabilitative treatment, given that enthesopathies usually improve a lot with these conservative measures.
A hug.
What is the address please
Hello María, it depends on our headquarters. Call us by phone and we can schedule the one that best suits you, okay?
Thank you so much!
Hello, I had an MRI and it showed chondrosis 4 and tendonitis. My question is do I need surgery or is it just therapy? And how long does it take to improve?
Hello Sandra,
Contromalacia can cause cartilage loss if not treated in time.
The tests should be evaluated and see if it is necessary to perform arthroscopy. We recommend you request an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello, I had an MRI and it showed chondrosis 4 and tendonitis. My question is do I need surgery or is it just therapy? And how long does it take to improve? Thank you, I await your response ☺️
Hello Sandra,
We would have to see your tests and analyze that along with your medical history, age, mobility, previous pathologies, and other factors that may influence the choice of treatment.
Make an appointment by calling (+34) 910 053 900 and we will help you personally.
Greetings
Hello, I had an MRI done and the result was grade IV chondropathy of the femoral trochlea of the left knee and grade 2 on the right, what treatment should I follow and if it is necessary to operate, the pain is very intense when going up or down stairs. and when bending the knee
Hello Suzana,
To recommend a treatment we would have to treat your case personally, since we have very little data to see how to move forward.
You can make an appointment with our team by calling 91 005 39 00 and we will evaluate your case personally.
Greetings
Can it be improved by taking pharmacy or natural cartilage supplements?
Thank you
Hello Mari Carmen,
We do not recommend any medication/supplement without first knowing your case.
We need more information to know how your pathology can improve and what type of treatment you should undergo.
Greetings
A consultation diagnosed me with chondromalacia grade and
I would like to know the address in Lima
Thank you
Hello Maria Breña,
Our centers are located in Spain. You can check them out hereYou can also schedule an appointment online by writing to [email protected], so that our specialists can evaluate your studies and guide you on the most appropriate treatment for your pathology.
Greetings.
Hello good morning.
In my case, I would like to know if it could also be chondromalacia patella, because when I get into bed and bend my knee, I feel a burning sensation in the front left side of my knee as if my skin was burned, and it also happens to me when I get on my knees during an exercise. I look forward to your response. Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Carlos,
The symptoms you describe may be related to both chondromalacia patella and other pathologies such as tendonitis or bursitis, which produce similar symptoms.
To obtain a diagnosis, it is best to have a medical consultation and undergo the necessary imaging tests.
Greetings
If I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia femoroparete in my right knee according to the X-ray, which causes me a lot of pain on the inner edge of the knee and under the kneecap, and when I walk with pain I suddenly feel like something is out of place and it makes me jerk and slows me down all at once, can I massage the muscles around the kneecap and do gentle seated exercises to strengthen the joint?
Hello Edgar,
Yes, gentle massage around the kneecap and seated exercises can help relieve the symptoms of patellofemoral chondromalacia. However, it is important to follow the instructions of a physical therapist to avoid worsening the injury. Strengthening the quadriceps muscles and stretching the knee in a controlled manner can improve stability and reduce pain, but consult a professional before beginning any specific routine.
Greetings
A question, I have pain in my knee, specifically on the inside and below the patella. When I walk I feel pain and burning around the patella and the pain radiates throughout the leg to the gluteus. When I am lying down, I stretch my right leg and my knee creaks like three times and I feel pain when I try to get down. They did an MRI on me and it turned out that I have grade 2 chondromalacia and a meniscus tear. And right now I am in physical therapy but so far the pain has not decreased. It hurts when I walk long distances and I cannot go up or down stairs because my knee hurts. My question is if the chondromalacia and the meniscus tear will improve only with physical therapy or do I need to do some other treatment?
Hello Claudia,
We understand how upsetting it must be to live with these symptoms, especially if you haven't seen significant improvement with physical therapy so far. Chondromalacia and meniscus tears can cause pain and limited movement, and while physical therapy is a vital tool to improve knee function and reduce pain, in some cases other treatments may also need to be considered.
Depending on the severity of the chondromalacia and meniscus tear, some people may benefit from additional treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, or even surgery if the damage is significant and does not improve with conservative approaches. Our specialists should evaluate your studies and your case to determine the best treatment to improve your situation. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.
Hello, I was diagnosed with grade 2 patellar chondropathy in my left knee via an MRI. What treatment would be indicated?
Thank you.
Hello Liliet,
Thank you for your comment. Grade 2 chondropathy of the patella is usually treated with a combination of physical therapy, rest, and, in some cases, surgical treatment or injections, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's progress. However, each case is unique and requires a personalized evaluation.
To determine the most appropriate treatment for your grade 2 chondropathy of the patella, it is essential that our team evaluate your medical history and the studies performed. This will allow us to offer you an accurate diagnosis and a personalized recommendation. You can schedule an appointment by calling 910 05 39 00. We will be happy to help you.
Greetings.
Hello good
My name is Carlos, I'm 51 years old. I've been diagnosed with chondromacia patellae (stage 2). After running or walking 10 km per hour, I have pain in that area, like a muscle hangover. My question is, can I go down to stage 1? And with stage 2 chondromacia, can I run or walk 10 km? It doesn't want me to go any further. I'm waiting for your response.
Hi Carlos,
Chondromalacia patella requires appropriate follow-up to prevent progression and reduce discomfort. The cartilage usually doesn't return to its previous state, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled and a good quality of life maintained.
When it comes to physical activity, it's ideal to have a professional assess your situation and advise you on how to adapt your training. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team to evaluate your case in detail and find the best way to care for your knee.
Greetings.
Hello, I had an MRI which showed a tear of the medial meniscus body and posterior horn, bone edema in the anterior lateral tibial plateau, and grade 3 chondromalacia patellae on the medial patellar surface. I had a meniscectomy three years ago. How serious is my condition?
Hi Margie or Hello Margarite,
The MRI shows several injuries to the knee (meniscal tear, bone edema and chondromalacia), but the actual severity depends a lot on your symptoms, the stability of the joint and your previous history, especially considering that you already had a meniscectomy three years ago.
These types of findings are relatively common, and although they can cause pain and limitations, they don't always indicate something serious or require surgery. The most important thing is for a specialist to personally assess your knee's movement, muscle strength, and the type of pain you're experiencing.
If you want precise guidance and a treatment plan tailored to your case, you can contact Dr. Elgeadi's team at +34 91 005 39 00, where they can review it with you in a personalized way and explain the next steps in more detail.
Greetings and best wishes!
Hello,
After an MRI, I've just been diagnosed with grade IV chondropathy of the patella accompanied by subchondral bone edema in both knees. They tell me the cartilage won't regenerate. I'm 55 years old and would like to know what habits I should adopt to avoid pain and further complications. I especially feel pain in my left knee when going up and down stairs.
I don't know if I should go to physiotherapy, if walking is good or not, if I should rest…
Thank you very much for your response in advance.
Hi Kanta. With grade IV patellar chondropathy and bone edema, the most helpful treatment is usually physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps and glutes, manage weight, and avoid high-impact activities and repetitive stair climbing. Walking is recommended if it doesn't increase the pain, adjusting the distance and taking breaks.