Anterior Knee Pain (Runner's knee) / Chondromalacia Patellae (CMP)

What is Chondromalacia Patellae?

Chondromalacia patellae is the inflammation of the underside of the kneecap (patella). It often affects young people who engage in sports and older people who overwork their knee, with most of the patients experiencing anterior knee pain.

Causes of anterior knee pain include:

  • Injury — trauma to the kneecap, such as a dislocation or fracture
  • Overuse — repetitive stress on the knee joint such as prolonged long distance running or jumping sports (also known as runner’s knee)
  • Poor muscle control— when the muscles around the hip and knee do not function well to maintain the correct alignment of the kneecap

Typical anterior knee pain is a dull aching pain in the front of knee cap, which can be aggravated by:

  • Kneeling or squatting
  • Running
  • Sitting with a bent knee for long periods of time
  • Walking up or down stairs

Treatments of the condition include:

  • Avoiding activities that increase pain such as climbing stairs and running
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
  • Rehabilitation exercises
  • Rest, ice and knee compression

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