Patellofemoral chondromalacia (chondromalacia patella) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain.
Patellofemoral chondromalacia is caused because patients have abnormal patellar “tracking” toward the outer side of the femur. The imbalance allows the undersurface of the patella to grate along the femur causing pain and chronic inflammation.
Symptoms are generally slight discomfort in the inner knee area, which is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, climbing or descending stairs, or a long period of time sitting with your knees bent. Ever sit for a while and stand up and your knees hurt? Patellofemoral chondromalacia feels similar to that.
Some patients have a fullness or tightness in the knee area. If symptoms are ignored, the loss of thigh (quadriceps) muscle may cause the leg to give out.
If you have symptoms of patellofemoral chondromalacia, call (310) 595-1030 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Millstein and learn more about treatment options.
Next, learn about Knee Treatment Options.
