Chondromalacia Patella-Chondromalacia patellae, also known as “runner’s knee,” is a condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) deteriorates and softens.
Causes
- Trauma, especially a fracture (break) or dislocation of the kneecap
- An imbalance of the muscles around the knee (Some muscles are weaker than others.)
- Overuse (repeated bending or twisting) of the knee joint, especially during sports
- Poorly aligned muscles or bones near the knee joint
- Injury to a meniscus (C-shaped cartilage inside the knee joint)
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- An infection in the knee joint
- Repeated episodes of bleeding inside the knee joint
- Repeated injections of steroid drugs into the knee
Symptoms
- Traumatic injury – such as a sprain, ligament tear, or broken bone
- Months or years of overuse
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Infection
- Cysts