I have Chondromalacia Patella

[Gillian]

Hey People

I just came back from the doctors, as I was experiencing some pretty bad pain in my knee and he said that I am suffering from Chondromalacia Patella (which is damaged to the cartlidge behind the knee cap), and so I'm not allowed to do anything high impact, which sucks. So I have been swimming and doing Aqua Aerobics. I'm back on crutches and dependent what the Doctor says I may need surgery to take out the cartlidge, which means more time off which I really don't want.
Has anyone ever suffered from this. I'm really wanting some advice from you guys!!

[Keith Scott]

Originally Posted by Gillian

Hey People

I just came back from the doctors, as I was experiencing some pretty bad pain in my knee and he said that I am suffering from Chondromalacia Patella (which is damaged to the cartlidge behind the knee cap), and so I'm not allowed to do anything high impact, which sucks. So I have been swimming and doing Aqua Aerobics. I'm back on crutches and dependent what the Doctor says I may need surgery to take out the cartlidge, which means more time off which I really don't want.
Has anyone ever suffered from this. I'm really wanting some advice from you guys!!

Never personally, but I have treated many people that have had it. I dont know the particulars, but it seems as if you have it pretty bad if your doc has you on crutches (or he/she is ultra conservative). Either case.. it can get much worse if you dont take care of it. So go easy.

Once inflammation is gone, and you are feeling like you can do some things, you need to get some corrective therapy. There are numerous reasons WHY it happens, so you have to figure out the why and fix it. Common areas you need to look at are your quads (imbalances), adductors, calves, and hamstrings. Depending on what is weak and what is tight can cause the patella to shift and "rub". Sometimes genetics are not on your side.

My adivce is to try therapy first and stay away from getting cut as long as possible.

[TrainingGirl]

I have it! Guess I shouldn't be so excited but sometimes it does help to have a partner. I was diagnosed years ago...here is some info on it.. http://www.medicinenet.com/patellofe...me/article.htm . Mine is caused by the misalignment of my kneecap...when I stand straight and look down...my knees point inward...yeah...real pretty huh? I started with physical therapy..had that for a few months which did not help and then I had to have surgery. I had arthoscopy with lateral release. I had this done to both knees (at different times). The knees are better but I do have to wear a brace when I do certain cardio work and squats. I can't run for a long distance or it bothers it terribly and I'm out for a few weeks so I do HIIT where I'm only running for short periods. Luckily I don't need to do much cardio. The orthopedist says I need a more invasive surgery they reallign the kneecap...but it's a long recovery and personally, I don't feel as though I'm in enough pain to go through that.