Chondromalacia Patella

Chondromalacia patella or runner's knee is a condition that causes the cartilage under the kneecap to soften and deteriorate. As the name suggests, it's common among runners and other types of athletes. It's typically caused by overuse during high-impact activities (running, jumping, pivoting) like playing basketball regularly. 

Runner's Knee Symptoms

Knee pain can come in many forms, from a simple strain to chondromalacia patella. The following symptoms may help you whittle down the list to runner's knee:

• Pain at the front of the knee
• Knee swelling
• A grinding, popping or clicking sensation under the knee cap
• Pain or difficulty running, jumping, climbing stairs, changing directions suddenly. 

Symptoms may begin gradually and worsen over time. They can also begin suddenly and unexpectedly. You may experience other symptoms that require a doctor's diagnosis.

How Chondromalacia Patella is Diagnosed

A doctor can diagnose runner's knee in one of three ways:

• An x-ray — by examining the bones in the knee, a doctor can check if they are properly aligned or if there's any evidence of arthritis.
• An MRI — a doctor can see the soft tissue of the bone, and examine how much damage has been done to the cartilage indicating runner's knee.
• An arthroscopy — this surgical procedure using a scope can let the doctor see all the internal components of the knee to properly diagnose a condition.

Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctor and patient can determine an approach treatment for it.

Chiropractic Treatment in the Manhattan Area

Comprehensive chiropractic care can help treat runner's knee. This type of treatment includes chiropractic care, medical massage therapy, corrective exercises, and acupuncture. Each component works holistically to treat and heal the damage done to the knee and the surrounding tissues.

A combination of each technique helps to restore strength and flexibility to the knee. The process improves circulation and helps repair damaged tissue which leads to proper healing. Comprehensive chiropractic method also helps kickstart the body's own endorphin production to aid in pain relief.

Contact Us

Chronic pain can have harmful effects on mental and emotional health.  Don't let your pain go undiagnosed. If you suspect you have chondromalacia patella or are experiencing any other joint issues, you owe it to yourself to get it diagnosed and treated. 

Our office services the Rockefeller Center, Midtown West, Midtown East, greater Manhattan, and 10036 areas of NYC. Patients looking for a chiropractor in these areas should call or stop by to schedule an appointment.