Patellar Chondromalacia

Patellar Chondromalacia, also known as “Runner’s Knee”, occurs when the cartilage enabling the femur and kneecap to glide smoothly over one another becomes damaged. This damage is caused by regular wear and tear or by repetitive trauma due to the knee muscles weakening or tightening and the patella (kneecap) becoming misaligned. Chondromalacia is a condition often suffered by young athletes, usually women.

Patellar Chondromalacia patients complain of tenderness under or around the kneecap. The pain often increases when using stairs, getting out of a chair or when participating in activities that put weight on the knee. A grinding feeling may also occur when trying to straighten the knee. These symptoms are caused by the degeneration of cartilage. Fortunately, some doctors believe the damage can be repaired.

Treatment

When inflammation and tenderness caused by patellar chondromalacia occurs, a program of rest, ice, compression and elevation is recommended and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. To prevent further damage to the cartilage, minimize impact exercises until the muscle strength increases.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring substances found in cartilage. To prevent further damage and ease the pain, some doctors recommend minimizing the degenerative process with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.

RICE (Rest Ice Compression Elevation)

Knee Cold Wrap

Our cold compression wraps allow you to actively treat yourself using the RICE method. They work because they interrupt and slow nerve and cell function in the damaged area. Once blood vessels are damaged they can no longer carry oxygenated blood to the damaged tissue and therefore cells begin to break-down. The deep cold provided by our cold/warm compression wraps slows cell function thereby reducing cellular break-down. Furthermore, because the cold wraps serve to numb the nerves the wraps also reduce pain! Our wraps keep the ice off the skin preventing frostbite and keep the cold in the area that you need it.

Once the inflammation and swelling has been alleviated, strengthening and loosening the muscles around the knee joint is recommended to realign the patella. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to find out which exercises are appropriate for your situation. To read more about physical therapy programs click here.

Using ultrasound and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ as part of your physical therapy program will reduce inflammation, speed you recovery and heal you more completely.

Ultrasound

Occasionally an individual with patellar chondromalacia will require surgery, however, less invasive methods are usually effective. A common technique used in the treatment of pateller chondromalacia by physiotherapists is ultrasound. Ultrasound is a healing technique that has been in existence around the world for many decades. The heating and massaging effects of MendMeShop Ultrasound have two primary benefits. First, it increases blood flow in the treated area which speeds the healing process. Second, it reduces swelling and edema which are the main sources of pain. Regular applications of ultrasound over the duration of the healing period will significantly reduce pain and the time to heal.

Ultrasound can also be used to administer therapeutic medicines into the body. This is a process known as phonophoresis. Ultrasound with phonophoresis is rapidly becoming more popular than ultrasound therapy alone.

We recommend you check with your doctor before using ultrasound to ensure it is a proper course of treatment for you.

Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™

A knee Inferno Wrap™ provides Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ to heal your damaged cartilage. With Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ tissues are safely and gently heated - increasing blood flow within the treated area. Your body’s natural response to this increased temperature is to try to maintain a condition of homeostasis — a balanced environment or state of equilibrium throughout the body. To do this, your body responds with a rapid increase in blood flow to the area (this is known as vasodilation), increasing the supply of nutrients to injured cells and flushing out toxins (including lactic acid, commonly found in trigger points) to promote healing. An Inferno Wrap™ provides effective, non-invasive, non-addictive pain relief with no side effects.