Chondromalacia also known as the softening of the kneecap cartilage is caused by the patellar knee; it is common among young athletes and may also be caused in adults with arthritis.
Chondromalacia also known as the softening of the kneecap cartilage is caused by the patellar knee; it is common among young athletes and may also be caused in adults with arthritis.
What are the symptoms associated with chondromalacia?
During Chondromalacia you may feel sensations of grinding or cracking when bending or extending your knee. Pain may worsen after sitting for a prolonged time or during activities that apply extreme pressure to your knees, such as standing for an extended period or exercising.
What are the causes of Chondromalacia patellae?
There are many causes of chondromalacia patellae which can happen due to improper movement of tendons and ligaments that attach your kneecap to your shinbone and thigh muscle.When any of these components fails to move properly, it can lead to rubbing of your knee cap against thigh bone. Leads to chondromalacia patellae, or runner’s knee.
It may be result from:
- Improper alignment of the bone congenital condition
- weak hamstrings and quadriceps muscle
- imbalance between the adductors and abductors (the muscles on the outside and inside of your thighs)
- Continuous stress in your knee due to running, skiing, or jumping
- Knee cap trauma
What are the different grades of chondromalacia patellae?
There are usually four grades of this disease from grade 1 to severe grade 4 these are
- Grade 1 characterised by softening of the cartilage in the knee area.
- Grade 2 indicates a softening of the cartilage along with abnormal surface characteristics leads to beginning of tissue erosion
- Grade 3 is indicated by thinning of cartilage with active deterioration of the tissue.
- Grade 4, The most severe stage causes a significant portion of cartilage to deteriorate. Bone-to-bone rubbing is likely occurring in the knee.
Who are at the higher risk of chondromalacia patellae?
There are many factors that can lead to chondromalacia patellae these are:-
Age
Young adults during growth spurts, the muscles and bones develop rapidly, which may contribute to short-term muscle imbalances in some cases.
Sex
Due to less muscle mass in females as compared to males, the females may develop runner knee. Causes abnormal knee positioning, as well as more side wise lateral pressure on the kneecap.
Flat feet
Flat feet may place more stress on the knee joints than having higher arches would.
Past injury
A prior injury to the kneecap, such as a dislocation, can increase your risk of developing a runner's knee.
High activity level
Vigorous and more frequent exercises that place pressure on your knee joints, this can increase the risk for knee problems and increase risk of such conditions.
Arthritis
Runner’s knee can also be a symptom of arthritis, a condition causing inflammation to the joint and tissue. Inflammation can prevent the kneecap from functioning properly.
Conclusion
Keeping a healthy body weight can relieve stress on the knees and other joints. You can make progress in weight loss by cutting back on sugar and fat, consuming lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, five days a week.Get a range of blood and radiology from Ganesh Diagnostic centre and stay healthy, happy and active.
