Runners Knee Chondromalacia Patella, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Causes Knee Pain

Front of knee pain causing a limp? Nicknamed runner’s knee. Medically referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome.

This type of knee pain is routinely caused by chondromalacia patella. If chondromalacia patella is the cause, then cartilage under your kneecap, aka patella, is sustaining some sort of damage.

Runners knee often results from an activity that puts heavy stress on your knee.  Your achy pain, tenderness and stiffness symptoms of patellofemoral pain typically are more noticeable when:

  • kneeling or squatting
  • walking up or down stairs
  • standing from a seated position
  • sitting with bent knee for long periods

You’ll probably notice a grating or grinding sensation whenever straightening your knee.

Some of the likely causes for chondromalacia patella are:

  • arthritis
  • overuse
  • overweight
  • too much force
  • poor fitting shoes
  • improper technique
  • thigh & hip muscle weakness
  • unusual alignment of kneecap
  • insufficient flexibility & strength
  • previous dislocation, fracture, other injury

Generally, women develop runners knee more than men.

Treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome depends highly on what is causing your knee pain. Evaluate your footwear first.

Experiment with different athletic shoe brands, paying particular attention to their shock absorption design.  Or try orthotic arch supports for your flat feet.

RICE and NSAIDs assist in reducing any pain and inflammation associated with chondromalacia patella. While resting your knee, concentrate on doing non-weight bearing activities that strengthen your quadriceps, hamstrings and hip muscles, particularly hip abductors.

Try bicycling or swimming as a form aerobic training while you heal.  In some cases, it’ll take over a month for a knee to become relatively free of pain.

Once knee pain has essentially subsided, start back slowly doing your “beloved” activity. Initially, tape or use a patella brace for added kneecap support.

For those finding little knee pain relief after self care efforts, then pay a visit to your health care professional.  You may need one of these knee surgeries for relief of your patellofemoral pain:

  • arthroscopy ~ removes damaged kneecap cartilage fragments
  • realignment ~ realigns kneecap to reduce cartilage & supporting structure pressure

An orthopedic doctor deals with chondromalacia patella and other skeletal issues.

Runner’s knee pain normally lightens up with early treatment and reconditioning.  And if your knee hurts, stop whatever causes the pain to preserve your knee health for the future.

« »


  • Categories