chondromalacia or patellofemoral syndrome: Pain in the front of the knee (place of the patella) is usually known by this name. This disease often occurs in teenagers, hard workers and athletes. The place of injury is usually in the cartilage under the patella.
Reasons : Pressure on the knee while the patella does not move properly in its special groove located on the thigh bone or femur (patellar tracking disorder) will eventually cause damage to the cartilage under the patella and pain appears in front of the knee. This happens especially in teenagers who have softer cartilage.
Symptoms: The main symptom is knee pain. This pain is especially pronounced when the knee is bent or doing movements such as squats, especially when going down the stairs. There may be a feeling of wear or noise in the joint when walking or moving the knee.
Diagnosis: Physical examination and medical history are usually sufficient for diagnosis. Although sometimes for further investigation, the doctor may request plain radiography or MRI.
Treatment: • The first step is to avoid doing movements that cause the pain to worsen. Weight loss is very important.
• Performing appropriate exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles, especially the quadriceps muscle, can play an important role in treatment. Of course, it should be noted that the intensity of these activities should not be excessive so that they do not cause the problem to worsen. Also increasing the flexibility of different parts around the knee by doing stretching exercises.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or... can play a role in controlling symptoms.
• The use of different modalities of physiotherapy can also be part of the treatment.
• Taping is used to regulate patella movements.
• Using special knee braces to increase stability in patellar movements.
• Sometimes surgery may be the only way.
Author: Dr. Hossein Arjamand