How do you treat chondromalacia?

How do you treat chondromalacia?

Resting, stabilizing, and icing the joint may be the first line of treatment. The cartilage damage resulting in runner’s knee can often repair itself with rest. Your doctor may prescribe several weeks of anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation around the joint.

Is chondromalacia serious?

Chondromalacia patellae is damage to the cartilage at the back of the kneecap (patella). The usual treatment advised is to avoid overuse of the knee and to have physiotherapy, which is effective in most cases.

What is the difference between chondromalacia and osteoarthritis?

Chondromalacia patella describes early changes in the cartilage on the underside of the patella. If not effectively treated, these early changes may eventually lead to osteoarthritis in the knee joint where the kneecap and femur meet.

Is walking good for chondromalacia?

Sports that are easiest on the knees: Swimming (especially with a flutter kick), walking (avoid up and down hills), and cross-country skiing. The following exercise program should be followed as instructed by the doctor or physical therapist.

Is chondromalacia considered arthritis?

Manifestations of this form of arthritis range from no symptoms to vague anterior knee pain to severe difficulties with stair climbing and ambulation. The term chondromalacia is used to describe early alterations in the articular cartilage of the patella that may eventually lead to patellofemoral arthritis.

Do cortisone shots help chondromalacia?

As chondromalacia patella worsens, corticosteroid injections may be provided in an attempt to relieve pain symptoms.

How long does it take for chondromalacia to heal?

Most people with chondromalacia make a full recovery. That recovery might occur as early as one month, or it could take years, depending on the severity of the condition. In mild to moderate cases, you can manage chondromalacia with rest, ice, and stretching.

Is chondromalacia a disability?

Thus, based upon the evidence of record discussed above, the Board finds that the Veteran’s chondromalacia patella the left knee and chondromalacia patella right knee each more nearly approximate the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating for each under Diagnostic Code 5258, and the Veteran’s left and right knee …

Does MRI show chondromalacia?

Does chondromalacia patella show up on an MRI? The diagnosis of chondromalacia patella on MRI can be definitive, but it can be directly correlated to the strength of the magnet for the MRI.

Is chondromalacia a form of arthritis?

Is chondromalacia a lifelong problem?

Whereas with osteoarthritis it’s mostly a lifelong problem which can be reduced with proper care but can’t be eliminated completely. “In most cases of chondromalacia, pain is the common symptom which revolves in and around the knee cap.

How do you test for chondromalacia?

The primary diagnostic approach for chondromalacia patellae is radiography with added arthrography. Pinhole scintigraphy, part of arthrography, is also used to diagnose the condition. MRI is an effective, non-invasive method with the ability to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis.

Is there surgery for chondromalacia?

Chondromalacia Surgery Removing damaged cartilage in a minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedure that reduces discomfort and recovery time. Realigning your knee with your thighbone or shinbone during an osteotomy that eases painful pressure on damaged cartilage.

Does chondromalacia ever go away?

Unlike the damage to cartilage caused by arthritis, damage caused by chondromalacia can often heal. Conservative treatment is usually recommended first since rest and physical therapy may eliminate the symptoms. First, the inflammation caused by chondromalacia must be allowed to subside.

Can I work with chondromalacia?

Doctors treating this condition in a conservative way will recommend rest and decreasing activities that aggravate the problem, including any work tasks that may worsen it, such as those involving sitting with bent knees, climbing or descending stairs, and squatting.

Is chondromalacia a permanent problem?

Is chondromalacia patella permanent? Yes, chondromalacia patella is permanent. This is because it involves an irreversible breakdown of the cartilage surface which can progress over time.

Where is chondromalacia pain located?

Chondromalacia patella (knee pain) is the softening and breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) on the underside of the kneecap (patella). Pain results when the knee and the thigh bone (femur) rub together. Dull, aching pain and/or a feeling of grinding when the knee is flexed may occur.