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Can chondromalacia patella last for years?
What is the prognosis (outlook) for chondromalacia patella? Individuals suffering from knee pain caused by chondromalacia patella often make a full recovery. Recovery can be as fast as a month or take years, depending on the case. Many long-term recoveries occur in teenagers because their bones are still growing.
What happens if chondromalacia is not treated?
This constant friction damages the cartilage around the patella. If left untreated, the thinning cartilage will eventually expose bone, which causes significant pain, inflammation, and immobility.
What is severe chondromalacia patella?
Often called runner’s knee, this painful overuse condition may lead to knee osteoarthritis. Chondromalacia patella is the breakdown of cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella).
What is Grade 2 chondromalacia patella?
Grading System for Chondromalacia Patella Grade 2 indicates softening along with abnormal surface characteristics, likely marking the beginning of tissue damage. Grade 3 shows the thinning of the cartilage along with the active deterioration of the tissue.
What are the symptoms of chondromalacia?
The pain of chondromalacia occurs in the front or inside of the knee. The pain is generally worse with activities such as running, jumping, using stairs, or kneeling. The pain is also typically worse after prolonged sitting with the knees bent. This pain is called the “theater sign” of chondromalacia.
Can chondromalacia cause creaking in the knee?
Chondromalacia can cause a creaky sound or grinding sensation when you move your knee. However, creaking sounds during bending do not always mean that cartilage is damaged. Your doctor will want to know whether you have ever: Sprained your knee or injured your knee’s meniscus (the disk-shaped, shock-absorbing cartilage inside the knee)
Can chondromalacia be cured without surgery?
Because articular cartilage heals poorly, chondromalacia usually is a permanent problem. However, nonsurgical treatments often can relieve knee pain within a few months. If nonsurgical treatment fails, your doctor can perform surgery to remove the area of damaged cartilage.
Does chondromalacia show up on Xray?
X-rays of the knee are generally normal in chondromalacia but may show a slight displacement of the knee cap. (Even if you have symptoms consistent with chondromalacia, your doctor may still order an X-ray to rule out other reasons for your knee pain.)