Chondromalacia of the patella

Overuse, injury or other factors may lead to a condition known as chondromalacia patella - a general term that indicates damage to the cartilage under your kneecap. Chondromalacia patella is more accurately referred to as patellofemoral pain.

As the smooth cartilage under your patella rubs against the groove in the bottom of your femur (thighbone), you may feel pain in the front of your knee. The pain often increases when you walk up or down stairs. It also may hurt to kneel, squat or sit with your knee bent for long periods of time. You may notice a grating or grinding sensation when you extend your knee.
In adolescents and young adults, patellofemoral pain often is caused by overuse or injury. Sometimes an unusual alignment of the kneecap is responsible.
Patellofemoral pain is most common in young adults, particularly runners and others who routinely do exercises involving the lower legs. The condition affects more women than men. People who've had a trauma to the kneecap - such as a dislocation or fracture - may be more likely to develop patellofemoral pain.
Patellofemoral pain can lead to difficulty with routine activities, such as squatting and climbing stairs. The pain can contribute to weakness of the thigh muscles as well. A long-term effect is the development of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Treatment of patellofemoral pain often begins with simple measures. Rest your knee as much as possible. Avoid any activities that increase the pain. If needed, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
To speed your recovery, your doctor may recommend specific exercises or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your knees, such as your quadriceps, hamstrings and the muscles around your hips. Sometimes physical therapy may include electrical stimulation to strengthen your muscles. In other cases, knee braces or arch supports are recommended.
If these measures aren't effective, surgery may be an option.
* Arthroscopy. During this procedure, the doctor inserts an arthroscope - a pencil-thin device equipped with a camera lens and light - into your knee through a tiny incision. Surgical instruments are passed through the arthroscope to remove fragments of damaged cartilage.
* Realignment. In more severe cases, a surgeon may need to open your knee to realign the angle of the kneecap or relieve pressure on the cartilage.