Chondromalacia Patella

Chondromalacia is the most common cause of chronic knee pain. It develops due to the softening of the cartilage beneath the knee cap as a result of overuse, injury, or other factors.

The cartilage is a natural shock absorber which can erode as the knee cap rubs against the femur instead of gliding smoothly over the knee.

Symptoms:

• Dull ache in the front of the knee
• Increased pain when walking up or down stairs
• Pain when kneeling or squatting
• Pain after sitting for long periods of time
• Grating or Grinding sensation when extending the knee
• Knee stiffness

Common causes:

• Muscle weakness or imbalances in quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles
• Overuse
• Direct impact injury
• Unusual alignment of the kneecap
• Arthritis of the knee join
• Gait deviations
• Flat feet

Risk Factor:

• Trauma to the kneecap, such as dislocation or fracture
• Mal-alignment of the lower extremity
• Wearing worn-out or ill-fitted shoes
• Gender - occurs more commonly in females
• Weakness of hip muscles, especially the muscles on the lateral aspect of the hip