Runner's Knee - Patellar Chondromalacia

Patellar Chondromalacia, also known as "Runner's Knee", occurs when the cartilage enabling the femur and kneecap to glide smoothly over one another becomes damaged. This damage is caused by regular wear and tear or by repetitive trauma due to the knee muscles weakening or tightening and the patella (kneecap) becoming misaligned. Chondromalacia is a condition often suffered by young athletes, usually women.

Patellar Chondromalacia patients complain of tenderness under or around the kneecap. The pain often increases when using stairs, getting out of a chair or when participating in activities that put weight on the knee. A grinding feeling may also occur when trying to straighten the knee. These symptoms are caused by the degeneration of cartilage. Fortunately, some doctors believe the damage can be repaired.

Treatment

When inflammation and tenderness caused by patellar chondromalacia occurs, a program of rest, ice, compression and elevation is recommended to reduce the pain and inflammation. To prevent further damage to the cartilage, minimize impact exercises until the muscle strength increases.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring substances found in cartilage. To prevent further damage and ease the pain, some doctors recommend minimizing the degenerative process with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.

Cold Compression Therapy

The Knee Freezie Wrap allows you to treat your knee pain and inflammation in an effective and convenient way.

Cold Compression Therapy works by interrupting and slowing nerve and cell function in the damaged area. Once blood vessels are damaged they can no longer carry oxygenated blood to the damaged tissue and therefore cells begin to break-down. The deep cold provided by our cold compression wraps slows cell function thereby reducing cellular break-down. Furthermore, because the cold wraps serve to numb the nerves, the wraps also reduce pain! The Knee Freezie Wrap uses a deep cold gel pack with a medical-grade neoprene compression cover to keep the ice off the skin preventing cryoburn and to keep the cold in the area that you need it.

Once the inflammation and swelling has been alleviated, strengthening and loosening the muscles around the knee joint is recommended to realign the patella. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to find out which exercises are appropriate for your situation.

Using ultrasound and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ as part of your physical therapy program will reduce inflammation, speed you recovery and heal you more completely.

Ultrasound Therapy

Occasionally an individual with patellar chondromalacia will require surgery, however, less invasive methods are usually effective. A common technique used in the treatment of pateller chondromalacia by physiotherapists is ultrasound. Ultrasound is a healing technique that has been in existence around the world for many decades.

Ultrasound therapy increases tissue elasticity while promoting the flow of blood (filled with vital oxygen and nutrients) to your patella. This cleans the inflamed area by getting rid of damaged tissue within your knee joint and opening up the blood vessels to begin healing. During the healing process, scar tissue builds on the femur and patella limiting the flexibility in your knee. Fortunately, you can treat this scar tissue with therapeutic ultrasound to soften scar tissue and improve your range of motion. In addition, less scar tissue build up means less knee pain!

Ultrasound can also be used to administer therapeutic medicines into the body. This is a process known as phonophoresis. Ultrasound with phonophoresis is rapidly becoming more popular than ultrasound therapy alone.

This therapy can be received using a MendMeShop Ultrasound Therapy System. The treatment is safe, easy, painless, and generally requires between 5 - 10 minutes. It is based on a form of deep tissue therapy, which is generated through high frequency sound waves (that we can not hear). These waves send vibrations deep into your body and slightly increase the temperature of your soft tissue cells. The waves are delivered through a hand held transducer and conductive gel that are used together in a slow, circular motion on your skin over the injured area.

Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™

After the inflammation and swelling is gone you can begin to treat your patellar tendon with Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy. This therapy increases your natural flow of blood to speed healing. By treating yourself with Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy you can increase your body's blood supply to the knee and the natural healing power. In addition, the fresh blood flow whisks away dead cells and toxins that have built up from the injury leaving the area clean and able to heal faster. Our Knee Inferno Wrap provides effective, non-invasive, non-addictive pain relief and healing with no side effects.

During your recovery, you will probably have to modify and/or eliminate any activities that cause pain or discomfort in your knee area until your pain and inflammation settle. With these 3 easy therapies you will notice incredible improvement in your knee. The more diligent you are with your treatment and rehabilitation, the faster you will see successful results!

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