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• The chondromalacia patella (chondromalacia patella) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain.
• chondromalacia patella has also been called "housemaid’s knee", "secretary’s knee" and chondromalacia patella.
• The pain of chondromalacia patella is aggravated by activity or prolonged sitting with bent knees.
• The pain is caused by abnormal "tracking" : the kneecap (patella) grates over the lower end of the thigh bone (femur) causing chronic inflammation and pain.
• Treatment creates better alignment of the patella during contraction of the quadriceps (thigh) muscle.
The primary goal for treatment and rehabilitation of chondromalacia patella is to create a straighter pathway for the patella to follow during quadriceps contraction.
-Selective strengthening of the inner portion of the quadriceps muscle will help normalize the tracking of the patella. Cardiovascular conditioning can be maintained by stationary bicycling (low resistance, but high rpms), pool running, or swimming (flutter kick). Reviewing any changes in training prior to chondromalacia patella pain, as well as examining running shoes for proper biomechanical fit are critical to avoid repeating the painful cycle. Generally, full squat exercises with weights are avoided. Occasionally, bracing with patellar centering devices are required.
Stretching and strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups is critical for an effective and lasting rehabilitation of chondromalacia patella. "Quad sets" are the foundation of such a program. Quad sets are done by contraction the thigh muscles while the legs are straight and holding the contraction for a count of ten. Sets of 10 contractions are done between 15-20 times per day.You can do this by holding a balloon in between your thighs.
Under optimal circumstances, the patient should have a rapid recovery and return at full functional level.
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Consigli
Common Pathologies
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