Chondromalacia, also called patellar chondropathy, is a wear and tear of the knee joint that is usually cured and manifests itself in symptoms such as deep pain in the knee and around the patella during the execution of certain movements, which is treated by taking anti-inflammatory drugs.exercise, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
Rotular chondromalacia is caused in particular by the weakening of the quadriceps muscle, located on the front of the thigh and by the shape of the individual’s knee or by the position of his foot, these conditions associated with excess weight and repetitive exertion are the main causes of the disease.
The main symptoms of patellar chondromalacia are
This change may be suspected when the person is active, even running, however, this change can also occur in people who do not perform physical activity, in which case it is more common in women. Learn about the main causes of knee pain.
Treatment of patellar chondromalacia can be performed with physiotherapy, with the aim of improving the positioning of patella and knee function, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesic drugs to control inflammation and pain, which should be indicated by the doctor and used according to guidance.
During treatment, it is important to avoid wearing heels, not crossing your legs in a seated position, maintaining good posture, avoiding ramping or exercising in steep areas, as well as recommending weight loss, if it is one of the causes of chondromalacia, reducing the weight in the knee.It is also important to wear shoes that support your feet well, avoiding unnecessary impacts on your knees.
For people diagnosed with grade 3 or 4 rotal chondromalacia, treatment is done by arthroscopy, which is a small surgical procedure performed to observe the internal structures of the joint.Understand what arthroscopy is and what recovery is like after surgery.
Physiotherapy of patellar chondromalacia may include the use of devices such as lasers, ultrasound and microcurrents, especially by stretching the muscles in the back of the thigh and strengthening the leg muscles, especially the muscles in the front of the thigh.
The physical therapist should assess the position of the individual and the position of the hips, knees and feet, because when one of these structures is poorly positioned, the risk of chronicity of this alteration is higher. The appropriate physiotherapeutic treatments for chondromalacia are hydrotherapy and RPG: comprehensive postural rehabilitation.See physical therapy exercises performed in the treatment of chondromalacia.
Rotal chondromalacia can be cured when the person is doing the treatment correctly and can be cured within a few weeks.To achieve healing, it is important to deflate the area, regain joint integrity, strengthen and stretch leg muscles, and adjust position.kneecap and feet.