Diagnosis:
Categorized by anterior knee pain, which occurs in the front of the knee, chondromalacia patella is the deterioration or softening of the cartilage beneath the kneecap. This condition is most commonly an injury caused by overuse, often found in athletes, overweight individuals, and/or individuals who have sustained another injury to the kneecap. The pain associated with chondromalacia patella may be exacerbated by moving up or down stairs or any other incline or decline. Fortunately Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers a number of treatment options to reduce the pain of chondromalacia patella.
Treatment Options:
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often advised by Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with chondromalacia patella.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is usually the first treatment provided for chondromalacia patella with the goal of decreasing the injury’s pain, restoring the knee’s range of motion, and gradually helping it restore strength. Rest, ice, compression and elevation, also known as the RICE protocol, are a typical component of the rehabilitation process.
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Depending on the severity of the condition arthroscopic surgery may be performed for the debridement, or smoothing, of the bottom of the patella.
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