Chondromalacia patella: what is it?

Chondromalacia patella is a painful pathology that refers to degenerative changes of the cartilage in the articular facet of the patella. The patella is a bone embedded in the extensor tendon of the knee and acts as a pulley around the intercondylar space. This cartilage absorbs large loads during physical activity, thus walking on level ground exerts contact forces of half the body weight and climbing stairs four times the body weight.

Causes of chondromalacia patellae

Its degeneration can occur after direct trauma, but is most often due to wear and tear from abnormal friction and strenuous activity. The anatomical factors that facilitate it are the femorotibial angle, Q-angle, tibiofemoral rotational alignment and possible patellar subluxations.

What treatments are available?

Treatments are aimed at increasing regenerative capacity, reducing neuromotor alterations and controlling angulations that enhance degeneration.

The work of traumatologists, physiotherapists, trainers, podiatrists and readapters, carried out jointly, is the most effective treatment plan.

Therefore, the best treatment is a multidisciplinary vision of the problem and an integrative treatment, where exercises, muscle strengthening or sports insoles are working together to solve the problem.

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