Understanding Chondromalacia Patella

Chondromalacia patella is also referred to as runner’s knee. It is a medical condition in which the cartilage under the surface of the kneecap begins to soften and deteriorate. This condition is commonly seen in athletic individuals but may also occur in adults who have arthritis. It is a condition that is often due to an overuse injury in sports. If you are looking for natural relief from chondromalacia patella, our professional staff is here to help. At Balanced Medical Health Medical in Manhattan, we provide chiropractic care to improve your health and prevent runner’s knee from reoccurring in the future.

Causes and Symptoms 

Improper kneecap movement is usually what causes chondromalacia patella. If any component of the knee fails to move properly when you bend your leg, it can result in your kneecap rubbing against your thighbone. Improper kneecap movement can result from:

• Weak quadriceps and hamstring
• Poor alignment resulting from a congenital condition
• Trauma or a direct blow to your kneecap
• Muscle imbalance
• Stress to the joints of your knees from jumping, skiing, or running

People with chondromalacia will typically notice pain in and around the knee area as one of the most common symptoms. Another common symptom is experiencing cracking or grinding in the knee while extending or bending the leg. The pain may worsen after sitting for long periods of time or performing activities that involve a lot of pressure on your knees.

Who Is at Risk of Chondromalacia?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing chondromalacia, including:

• Your age- Young adults and adolescents are particularly at risk for this condition.
• Your gender- Females are more likely to develop runner’s knee than males since they typically have less muscle mass.
• Flat fee- If you have flat feet, more stress is placed on the knee joints.
• Prior injury- If you have had a past kneecap injury, your risk of developing runner’s knee increases.
• Arthritis- Inflammation to the tissue and joint can prevent the kneecap from properly functioning.
• High activity- If you are involved in strenuous activities or routine exercise, pressure on your knee joints increases, resulting in possible knee problems.

How Our Chiropractors Can Help

Chiropractic care is essential for properly treating chondromalacia patella. During your first consultation, our chiropractors will examine your medical history and your knee for a complete understanding of your chondromalacia patella. From there, we will provide strengthening and stretching exercises to improve the muscular balance of your knee and surrounding structures. Misalignments in the low back and pelvis can also cause imbalances in the knees that contribute to chondromalacia patella. Our chiropractors can gently move any misaligned segments in the lower back or pelvis to reduce pain and improve the affected knee.

Contact Us for Chiropractic Care in 10022 and 10036

If you are in Manhattan or Midtown and are looking for natural relief from your knee pain, our team is here to help. At Balanced Medical Health Medical, we will work with you over several chiropractic sessions to ensure optimal results. Our team is dedicated to providing our patients the care they need to live pain-free lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.