Chondromalacia (runner's knee)?

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I've been having some pretty bad knee pain for the last six months, after kicking my exercise routine up a notch. Every couple of weeks, I'd do something that would set them off, and then after taking it easy a couple of days, they'd improve. However, the space between when they felt good and when they hurt was getting smaller, so I finally went to a sports specialist about a month ago.

The Dr. sent me for an MRI, and I was diagnosed with chondromalacia patellae in both knees. I've been going to physio to try to correct the tracking of my patellae, and I've been put on chondritin and glucosamine to try to rebuild the cartilage. The physio also taped up my most symptomatic knee yesterday to see if that helps me get some relief over the next couple of days.

Everything I've seen on the net is really discouraging...it seems like this is just something that I'm going to have to learn to live with, and that I'll likely be in pain for the rest of my life. Is anyone else going through this? Has anyone found any of the treatments for chondromalacia helpful?

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

From what I know, Chondromalacia is a term no longer used and the general term is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. I received that diagnosis this past Monday due to being born with a serious tilt in both of my patellas and I'll be getting surgery on one of my knees next month to help with the problem. I also did the googling and came across a bunch of disappointing things from random people posting on the internet. I came across a knee forum where the people were just so odd and whined a lot. If you're not comfortable with the treatment you're receiving now, then there's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. I think it's better to listen to a professional you trust rather than random folk on the internet. Hope you're able to find some relief

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

From what I know, Chondromalacia is a term no longer used and the general term is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. I received that diagnosis this past Monday due to being born with a serious tilt in both of my patellas and I'll be getting surgery on one of my knees next month to help with the problem. I also did the googling and came across a bunch of disappointing things from random people posting on the internet. I came across a knee forum where the people were just so odd and whined a lot. If you're not comfortable with the treatment you're receiving now, then there's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. I think it's better to listen to a professional you trust rather than random folk on the internet. Hope you're able to find some relief

Hi,

Because it is difficult to diagnose without surgery or an MRI, the broader term used to describe pain in the patella is patellofemoral pain syndrome. Unfortunately, my MRI indicated that I have large ulcerations that extend completely through the articular cartilage and sadly that means that I actually do have chondromalacia, or softening and disintegration of the cartilage.

I'm okay with the physio and conservative treatment for now...the thought of surgery is really scary to me!!! Are you getting a lateral release done? I have a follow-up appointment with my ortho in two weeks, and will discuss further options...I know there's a lot of crud in my joints because of all the grinding and clicking noises. I'd probably be open to having the cartilage shaved and smoothed down if he thinks it would make a real difference.

I know what you mean about the whining posts on other sites. It's kind of freaked me out a bit; I like to live a pretty active lifestyle, and don't know how I'd handle being told I'd never be able to run or hike again. I can live with some pain if I can still lead my 'normal life'. I just want to be sure that I'm not doing much further damage to my knees!

 

[golfgal]

Back in the dark ages when I had this they did arthroscopic surgery and sucked out all the loose cartilage. BOY did that make difference. I used to have terrible trouble with my knees, especially my right knee. It started locking up on me so they did the surgery, haven't had problems since.

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

Back in the dark ages when I had this they did arthroscopic surgery and sucked out all the loose cartilage. BOY did that make difference. I used to have terrible trouble with my knees, especially my right knee. It started locking up on me so they did the surgery, haven't had problems since.

That's good to hear! Do you participate in any sports/exercise (although from your name I think it's a safe bet that you golf )? Have you been told to/tried to avoid any activities to prevent a reoccurrence?

 

[golfgal]

That's good to hear! Do you participate in any sports/exercise (although from your name I think it's a safe bet that you golf )? Have you been told to/tried to avoid any activities to prevent a reoccurrence?

I ran track and played basketball all through high school and college. I did a lot of different things after college-running, city league basketball, volleyball, etc. I took up golf when I was in my mid 20's. I was actually told the opposite of you and to STAY active. The problem comes when your thigh muscles are fit and tight and they pull your patella over a certain path over your knee, by increasing activity or decreasing activity you change that path, thus the pain. You are basically grinding away the cartilage on the back of your knee cap.

I can't do a stair stepper or anything like that-I can feel that in my knee too much but walking up and down hills aren't an issue. I don't run any more for different reasons (mainly because I don't like it and never have ).

I would also suggest you investigate different athletic shoes and never wear flats.

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I ran track and played basketball all through high school and college. I did a lot of different things after college-running, city league basketball, volleyball, etc. I took up golf when I was in my mid 20's. I was actually told the opposite of you and to STAY active. The problem comes when your thigh muscles are fit and tight and they pull your patella over a certain path over your knee, by increasing activity or decreasing activity you change that path, thus the pain. You are basically grinding away the cartilage on the back of your knee cap.

My physio and dr. both told me to keep active, but to avoid high-impact activities until we can get the inflammation/pain under control. To be honest, I think my knees have gotten WORSE since I've been taking it easy, not better!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

Hi,

Because it is difficult to diagnose without surgery or an MRI, the broader term used to describe pain in the patella is patellofemoral pain syndrome. Unfortunately, my MRI indicated that I have large ulcerations that extend completely through the articular cartilage and sadly that means that I actually do have chondromalacia, or softening and disintegration of the cartilage.

I'm okay with the physio and conservative treatment for now...the thought of surgery is really scary to me!!! Are you getting a lateral release done? I have a follow-up appointment with my ortho in two weeks, and will discuss further options...I know there's a lot of crud in my joints because of all the grinding and clicking noises. I'd probably be open to having the cartilage shaved and smoothed down if he thinks it would make a real difference.

I know what you mean about the whining posts on other sites. It's kind of freaked me out a bit; I like to live a pretty active lifestyle, and don't know how I'd handle being told I'd never be able to run or hike again. I can live with some pain if I can still lead my 'normal life'. I just want to be sure that I'm not doing much further damage to my knees!

I believe I am getting a lateral release. I really didn't have a lot of time to get the entire story because when I was leaving the exam room, I was only going to start with the physical therapy. However, due to working a seasonal position, I am off for the next two and a half months so I decided to forgo the physical therapy and just do the surgery since the timing is perfect. So I was only able to discuss the surgery briefly with the doctor and he didn't use technical terms. Are they trying to strengthen your thighs during physio? From what I was told, that should help a whole lot.

 

[golfgal]

My physio and dr. both told me to keep active, but to avoid high-impact activities until we can get the inflammation/pain under control. To be honest, I think my knees have gotten WORSE since I've been taking it easy, not better!

I don't know that take it easy and avoid high impact are the same thing. I would stay away from the stair stepper and running on hard surfaces but you could certainly swim, bike, use the elliptical, etc. Just don't do anything that has repeated pounding (running, high intensity aerobics, etc.).