Chondromalacia patellae typically develops in adolescents. Joggers are especially susceptible. The cause of chondromalacia patellae is probably a minor, repetitive injury resulting from misalignment of the kneecap. The misalignment causes the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap to grate against other bones when the knee bends.
Inside the Knee (Side View)
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Dull, aching pain is felt all around and behind the knee. There is no swelling. Climbing (especially going up or down stairs), playing certain sports, sitting for a long time, and running usually worsen the pain.
A doctor bases the diagnosis of chondromalacia patellae on the symptoms and a physical examination.
Treatment of Chondromalacia Patellae
Strengthening and stretching exercises
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Sometimes arthroscopic procedures
The doctor may recommend exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscles, which straighten or extend the knee joint. Increasing knee flexibility with stretching exercises helps. Activities that worsen the pain (typically those that involve bending the knee) should be avoided for several days.
Ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Pain relievers (analgesics) are the main drugs used to treat pain. Doctors choose a pain reliever based on the type and duration of pain and on the drug's likely benefits and risks. Most pain... read more (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve symptoms.
Occasionally, the undersurface of the kneecap must be smoothed with a small (about the diameter of a pencil) fiberoptic scope called an arthroscope Arthroscopy A doctor can often diagnose a musculoskeletal disorder based on the history and the results of a physical examination. Laboratory tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic procedures are sometimes... read more 
, which allows the doctor to look inside the joint.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
ibuprofen |
Advil, Advil Children's, Advil Children's Fever, Advil Infants', Advil Junior Strength, Advil Migraine, Caldolor, Children's Ibuprofen, ElixSure IB, Genpril , Ibren , IBU, Midol, Midol Cramps and Body Aches, Motrin, Motrin Children's, Motrin IB, Motrin Infants', Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, PediaCare Infants' Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, Samson-8 |
naproxen |
Aflaxen, Aleve, Aleve Arthritis, All Day Pain Relief, All Day Relief, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, EC-Naprosyn, Midol Extended Relief, Naprelan, Naprelan Dose Card, Naprosyn |
