Chondromalacia patella is a common condition that develops in runners, as well as adolescents, young adults and the elderly. Young females are particularly prone to developing this painful knee condition. If not treated, chondromalacia patella can lead to other serious joint problems, which could be debilitating. Speak to your doctor if you have reoccurring knee pain. If rehabilitation doesn't help relieve the pain, surgery may be needed.
Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella develops on the underside of the kneecap, or patella. The condition causes the cartilage behind the patella to soften and eventually break down if too much stress is placed on it. Untreated, chondromalacia patella can lead to anterior knee pain, and pain can spread to the sides and to the top of the patella. Pain becomes apparent when the kneecap is not properly aligned with the knee joint. The pain comes from the rubbing of the kneecap against the lower part of the thigh bone.
Treatment
Before performing any rehabilitative exercises, you must rest your knee. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve the pain. Treatment consists of muscle strengthening exercises that work the quadriceps and hamstrings. Avoid mass-building exercises, such as the squat, which place a significant amount of stress on the knees. Developing these muscles can help realign the knee and keep it in its proper place. Stretching is an important part to your rehabilitative process. Speak to your doctor or physical therapist as to which specific stretches you should perform. Perform a short and light aerobic workout before stretching to warm up. Do aerobic exercises that don't place too much stress on your knees, such as biking or elliptical training.
Leg Extensions
Properly position yourself on a leg extension machine so the lower leg padding is against the lower portion of your shins, just above the ankles. Grasp the handles to steady yourself and begin by slowly extending your legs. Extend fully and hold for one count. Then slowly lower the legs back to their starting position. Exhale on the way up and inhale on the way down. Do three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions using light resistance. You can perform this exercise extending one leg at a time or both at the same time.
Lying Leg Curls
Lie with your stomach on a leg curl machine and wrap your lower legs around the padding. Make the proper adjustments so the padding is against the lower portion of your legs, below your calf muscles and above your ankles. Grasp the handles to steady yourself and begin by slowly curling your legs. Curl as far as you can and hold for one count, contracting your hamstrings. Slowly lower the legs back to their starting position. Exhale on the way up and inhale on the way down. Do three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions. You can use normal weight resistance; this exercise does not place as much stress on the knees as leg extensions.
