The cartilage under the patella is vital in supporting the knee. Chondromalacia Patella, also known as “runner’s knee,” is usually caused by excessive running, improper knee alignment or other use in athletics.
There are four grades to chondromalacia patella:
- Grade 1 – Least severe grade; swelling or softening of the cartilage in the knee.
- Grade 2 – Softening of cartilage with early signs of tissue erosion.
- Grade 3 – Partial cartilage loss with apparent tissue erosion.
- Grade 4 – Most severe grade; cartilage is considerably eroded with bone exposure.
What is the cause?
Chondromalacia patella happens when a part of the knee moves in an incorrect way, causing the thigh bone to rub against the kneecap. Excessive rubbing leads to chondromalacia patella, the degradation of the patella and surrounding cartilage. Repeated actions that can strain the knee such as running are the main causes of chondromalacia patella. However, weakened or imbalanced muscles, as well as improper knee alignment, can also cause this condition.
What are the symptoms?
- Aching pain of the knee, worsened with physical activity
- Grinding and/or cracking of the knee when in use
- Pain after sitting for long periods of time
Our staff is well trained to correctly diagnose and treat Runner’s Knee. Read more below about the advanced Physiotherapy Techniques we utilize.
Tests
We can order imaging tests to properly assess what is causing the symptoms.
- MRI
An MRI can show how much damage and to what degree the knee has been affected. - X-Rays
X-rays show us if there is internal knee damage, as well as misalignment that can be treated.
Treatments
Treatment in our office is broken down into three segments:
- Pain reduction
Stopping or decreasing the activity that is causing the pain is the main goal of our first treatment segment. Applying ice and heat alternatively throughout the day will help with both pain and inflammation. Our Class 4 laser treatment is very effective for this segment. - Treatment to restore oxygen and proper nutrients to damaged segment
- Class 4 laser
- Graston Technique Therapy
Successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post- surgical. - E-stim
Electric muscle stimulation using a device that delivers electronic pulses to motor nerves through electrodes placed on the skin, causing a motor response to achieve a number of desired results. - Cold laser
- Ultrasound
- Soft tissue work
- Exercise and proper stretching
We offer a very effective Physiotherapy regiment to both decrease pain and restore proper function.