Chondromalacia Patella
Anterior knee pain usually occurs as a result of increased activity, especially running and cycling. It is commonly seen in active adolescents who are going through a growth spurt, but can affect people at any stage. Other people complain of pain in the knee with sitting for long periods. There is usually a biomechanical imbalance in the knee, with some muscles around the knee tight and others weakened.
Signs and symptoms:
- Pain, usually associated with activity, felt primarily at the front of the knee.
- Some people have tenderness at the front or the side of the patella (knee cap)
- Pain can also be felt with sitting or driving for long periods
- Tightness at the front and/or the side of the knee
- Occasionally an audible crackling is heard when bending the knee.
A thorough physiotherapy assessment will help identify any biomechanical imbalance present. This will involve looking at the muscles in the hip and knee as well as an assessment of the foot. Manual therapy and exercises as well as orthotics, if required usually gives a good outcome to this problem
