Can you see chondromalacia on X ray?

Applying pressure to the kneecap when it is extended may cause pain, which aids in diagnosis. X-rays usually do not show the damage caused by chondromalacia, although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may.

How is chondromalacia patella diagnosed?

Blood tests and/or a standard knee X-ray – This may help to rule out some types of arthritis or inflammation.
MRI scan- A tests that shows details of the knee joint and can reveal many cases of chondromalacia patella.

Can chondromalacia patella heal on its own?

3. Can chondromalacia patella be cured? True chondromalacia patella, which involves a breakdown of the cartilage surface, cannot be cured. However, a program of weight loss, avoidance of those activities which make it worse, exercise, and/or injections may help one to make it become asymptomatic.

Is walking good for chondromalacia patella?

Sports that are easiest on the knees: Swimming (especially with a flutter kick), walking (avoid up and down hills), and cross-country skiing. The following exercise program should be followed as instructed by the doctor or physical therapist.

Is chondromalacia patella serious?

Chondromalacia patella is rarely a severe condition. In fact, most people can manage it with rest, elevation, ice, and stretching. However, for some people, the condition can worsen to the point where pain cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and other at-home treatments.

How serious is chondromalacia?

What is the surgery for chondromalacia patella?

Surgically correcting this problem is relatively easy with arthroscopic surgery. The surgery for this consists of arthroscopically smoothing off the roughness on the underside of the patella (patella shaving), which looks like icicles, and – most importantly – performing a lateral retinacular release.

What are the grades of chondromalacia?

Grade 1 is least severe, while grade 4 indicates the greatest severity….Grading

Grade 1 severity indicates softening of the cartilage in the knee area.
Grade 2 indicates a softening of the cartilage along with abnormal surface characteristics.
Grade 3 shows thinning of cartilage with active deterioration of the tissue.

What should you not do if you have chondromalacia patella?

The following activities are common causes of Chondromalacia Patella and can further aggravate the knee if continued without proper care.

Running.
Jumping.
Lunges / Squatting.
Using Leg Extension Machine.
Using a Stair Stepper Machine.
Climbing or Descending Stairs.
Improper Exercise Techniques.

What should you not do with chondromalacia?

The best treatment for patellofemoral syndrome is to avoid activities that compress the patella against the femur with force. This means avoiding going up and down stairs and hills, deep knee bends, kneeling, step-aerobics and high impact aerobics. Do not wear high heeled shoes.

How long does it take chondromalacia patella to heal?

You may require 4-6 weeks of Physical Therapy treatment, and then several more months of a home stretching and strengthening program to treat your chondromalacia patella. Getting the pain and inflammation under control is the first step.