Chondromalacia is a medical condition that involves inflammation of the underside of the patella and softening of the surrounding cartilage. This cartilage acts as a shock absorber in healthy individuals. Its breakdown (through injury or overuse) can lead to you feeling pain when you move your knee. The underside of the kneecap then comes into direct contact with the thigh bone and this is the cause of the pain and swelling you experience.
The risk factors for chondromalacia include:
People whose kneecaps are abnormally positioned or who have flat feet may also be more at risk for developing chondromalacia.
You will feel the pain of chondromalacia behind and below the patella as well as on both sides of it. You may also feel a “grinding” sensation when you flex your knee. Examples of these situations include doing knee bends, going downstairs or running downhill.
To confirm that you are suffering from chondromalacia, your doctor may perform a physical examination. If he or she is still not certain, he may order blood tests or a diagnostic exam such as an X-Ray. In some cases, your doctor may even request an arthroscopic exam to confirm the diagnosis. This involves inserting a tiny camera into the patient’s knee to examine the cartilage behind the kneecap.
Orthopedic braces such as the ones below may help by supporting the patella. They can reduce the pain of chondromalacia and allow the injured cartilage under the patella to heal.
Chondromalacia is similar to patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, one difference is that the latter does not involve deterioration of the cartilage under the patella.
The Mueller Max Knee Strap is a versatile knee strap designed to apply targeted compression at painful knee areas to relieve discomfort.
The Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace is made of extremely comfortable fabric with maximum medial-lateral support to help protect weak or injured knees. Mueller-exclusive HydraCinn® fabric, Triaxial Hinges, tibial containment system, inner anti-slip strips, flatlock seams, form-fitting hourglass design, fully adjustable and comfortable fit.
The Mueller Hg80 Premium Hinged Knee Brace has lightweight and neoprene-free breathable fabric with maximum medial-lateral support to help protect weak or injured knees.
The popular Mueller Jumper’s Knee Strap applies pressure to the patellar tendon to reduce the pain of tendonitis. Available in seven colors and is a one size design.
The LP Support Knee Stabilizer has bilateral stays for optimum joint support and a hook and loop closure design that facilitates compression adjustment when needed. This neoprene based knee support will also keep the joint warm, thus reducing stiffness and maintaining supple ligaments to reduce the risk of sprains.
The McDavid Knee Support With Stays has a padded buttress that supports the patella. Spring steel stays provide reinforced support and elastic hook and loop straps ensure an outstanding fit. There is an exterior layer of nylon fabric for durability.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
The McDavid Knee Support With Stays & Cross Straps features reinforced spring steel stays offer enhanced medial-lateral confidence. Also included are elastic cross straps for enhanced compression and added rotational and collateral ligament support. The padded open buttress offers 360˚ support of the patella.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
The Kneed-It Knee strap relieves minor knee pain commonly associated with arthritis, tendonitis and chondromalacia.
Maximum patellofemoral pain relief with SlimLok ROM hinge. The BioSkin Q Lok ROM aids in the rehabilitation of patellofemoral joint while preventing subluxation and further dislocation during everyday activity. The high-level compression and dynamic patella traction strap make this brace ideal for patients suffering from a high Q angle, chronic pain from patella tilt, glide and malalignment. The thin, ½ inch range-of-motion hinge gives the option of limiting flexion and extension of the knee. Comfort is a key feature of this brace with a combination of Bio Skin’s breathable material and an enhanced single-layer lycra portion that is pre-tensioned to prevent chafing, irritation and bunching behind the knee. This Cirrus™ material also enhances the grip of the traction strap to ensure patellar control.
