Chondromalacia patella is an abnormal condition involving the softening or wearing off of the cartilage of the patella or the knee cap. It results from deterioration or erosion of the cartilage due to poor alignment of the patella, as it glides over the femur (or the thigh bone).
What Causes Chondromalacia Patella?
The disorder occurs when the patella does not move appropriately in the channel in the knee, where it meets the femur (or the thigh bone). Also, a muscle imbalance of the quadriceps (or the thigh muscles), which manage the patella, could result in the disorder.
The following factors are responsible for this:
- Congenital conditions: An individual is born with a misaligned kneecap.
- Weak quadriceps: The thigh muscles assist proper movement of the knee joint. Consequently, weak muscles cause the patella to move out of normal alignment.
- Muscle imbalance: When muscles on the outside of the thigh are stronger than the muscles on the inside.
- Trauma: An injury to the kneecap can damage the cartilage. Likewise, repeated trauma, resulting from jumping, running or other activities, put pressure on to the patella. Obese or overweight individuals are at increased risk of developing the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patella?
The main symptom of chondromalacia patella is pain. Pain occurs underneath and on both sides of the knee cap. A popping sound is often heard as the knee is extended and flexed. The pain tends to increase and aggravate gradually, over a year. The discomfort is most marked while running, climbing stairs, squatting, or while doing any activity that puts a weight on the knee.
Pain and stiffness often occur when the patient is sitting with the knee folded for prolonged periods of time.
Treating Chondromalacia Patella
- The first line of management for chondromalacia patella is to reduce activity, to permit the inflammation and swelling to subside.
- Apply ice on the patella for 15 minutes, twice every day, and especially after physical activity.
- Wear an elastic brace on the knee to help keep the knee cap in correct alignment.
- Homoeopathy affords instant and quick relief from pain, stiffness and swelling. Homoeopathic drug Bryonia Alba is a good remedy for chondromalacia patella. It eases pain efficiently, diminishes swelling and inflammation and strengthens the muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilages around the affected area.
- Once the inflammation and pain have subsided, exercise to reinforce the quadriceps muscles. The exercise regimen ought to be non-impact and non-weight bearing, such as swimming, riding a stationary bicycle or closed-chain quadriceps intensifying exercises.
Regular and sustained exercise practice is a must to maintain healthy cartilage and strong muscles. Also, consciously avoid all those activities that put a strain on to the knee joint. These guidelines help achieve a quick and effective recovery from the disorder.
Reference:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (accessed August 2, 2010).
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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