Chondromalacia patellae is a condition in which there is damage to the cartilage covering the surface of the kneecap (patella) and femur in the knee. It is caused by a variety of factors, such as sports injuries, wear and tear, kneecap misalignment, muscle weakness, or poor knee biomechanics.
Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patellar
We have already discussed that chondromalacia patellae is a knee condition in which the cartilage under the kneecap wears away or is damaged, causing a wide variety of symptoms. The most common of patellar chondromalacia are the following:
Pain in the knee: It is one of the most common symptoms of patellar chondromalacia. The pain can be mild or severe. It is usually felt in the front of the knee or around the kneecap. It can also get worse when going up or down stairs, running, jumping or kneeling.
Snapping or popping sensation: Some people with chondromalacia patellae feel a popping or popping sensation in the knee when they move it.
Swelling: The knee swells due to inflammation caused by chondromalacia patellae.
Stiffness or difficulty moving the knee: The knee may feel stiff or difficult to move due to cartilage damage.
leg weakness: Weakness in the affected leg is also a symptom of chondromalacia patellae.
knee instability: Some people with chondromalacia patellae may feel like their knee is moving or sliding unsteadily.
It is important to note that the symptoms of this pathology vary from person to person and will be more or less serious depending on the degree of wear or damage to the cartilage.
Causes
The causes of patellar chondromalacia can be very varied. Here we will list some of the most repeated:
repetitive overload: Often occurs due to repetitive overload on the knee. Overuse can occur from activities such as frequent running, jumping, bending, or kneeling.
acute injury: An acute injury to the knee, such as a fall or a direct impact on the knee, is also a cause of this pathology.
alignment problems: Knee alignment problems, such as bowlegs or poor walking posture, increase pressure on the kneecap and cause cartilage damage.
Muscular weakness: Weakness in the leg muscles causes excessive pressure on the kneecap and contributes to chondromalacia patellae.
Sports injuries: Some sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer, are likely to increase the risk of chondromalacia patellae due to the amount of jumping, turning, and sudden movements involved.
Genetic factors: There are people who have a genetic predisposition to chondromalacia patellae.
As we can see, the causes are multiple and varied. It is often caused by a combination of factors.
Contributions of chiropractic to patellar chondromalacia
Chiropractic is a healthcare practice focused on the health of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, with a focus on the treatment of disorders of the spine and extremities. Although chiropractic cannot cure chondromalacia patellar, it can offer certain contributions to improve this condition.
Below, we present some of the contributions that chiropractic offers to improve chondromalacia patellar:
Assessment of posture and biomechanics: Chiropractic performs an evaluation of the body's posture and biomechanics to determine if there are any problems with the way the body moves or holds itself. If any problems are found, adjustments and exercises are performed to correct posture and improve biomechanics. Something that helps greatly to relieve pressure on the knee.
chiropractic adjustments: They help to improve the alignment of the spine and extremities. Fact that reduces stress on the knee and relieve pain. In addition, the adjustments help improve blood circulation and nerve function, thereby promoting knee healing.
Therapeutic massage: Therapeutic massage helps to reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation in the knee area.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Finally, chiropractic recommends specific stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve flexibility and muscle strength in the knee and leg. So the tension on the knee is reduced and prevents future injuries.
In summary, although chiropractic cannot cure chondromalacia patellae, it can offer useful insights into the treatment of this condition.
Finally, note that if you think you have symptoms of suffering from this pathology You should go to your specialist doctor and ask for his opinion to have the most accurate diagnosis possible.
