What is Runner's Knee (Chondromalacia Patella)?

Runner's knee can be serious and cause permanent injury. Here are treatment options that can help you get relief.

Chondromalacia patella, also known as runner's knee, is one of the most common causes of kneecap pain.  The curious thing about runner's knee is that it typically occurs in young and healthy, athletic individuals.  In addition, it more commonly afflicts women.

So, what is it and how do you know if you have it?  Runner's knee is a condition that develops on the smooth layer of the patella, or cartilage, which lines the underside of the kneecap.  The kneecap begins to rub against either side of the knee joint.  The surface of the cartilage becomes irritated, and the result is knee pain.  Untreated, it could cause long term affects and irreparable damage.

There are several indicators of runner's knee.  If you have some or all of the following symptoms, you likely have runner's knee:

• Most common symptom -- Pain increases when walking up or down stairs.
• Constant dull, aching pain at the front of the knee.
• Tightness or fullness around the knee area.
• Pain in the knee when kneeling or squatting.
• Pain in the knee after sitting with bent knees for long periods of time.
• A grinding or grating feeling when extending your knee.
• Painful when pressing down on the kneecap while the knee is extended.
• Stiffness in the knee.
• Some swelling may be evident in the knee.

Runner's knee may be due to either an acute injury or long-term overuse.  An acute injury typically occurs as the result of an impact to the front of the kneecap like being hit or falling directly on the front of the knee.  The cartilage experiences small tears or softening due to the impact.  Overuse occurs due to irritation from the constant rubbing of the cartilage against the knee bone behind it.  In healthy knee movement, the patella glides freely and smoothly.  In individuals with runner's knee, the patella typically misaligns due to tight tissue on the outside of the kneecap.  This causes the kneecap to rub against part of the knee joint behind it and the result is inflammation, degeneration and pain. 

Video: Runner's Knee Treatment

Runner's Knee: Treatment

The treatment of runner's knee doesn't have to be complicated.  Many experience relief when they rest the knee for several weeks and stay away from high-impact sports.  The intent is to allow the inflammation and swelling of the patella surface to heal.  Of course, you should take anti-inflammatory pain medicine as needed to relieve pain.  A gradual return to normal activity is critical. 

Alternating exercises like swimming and cross-training activities will rest the knee and still allow you to keep fit.  If the pain persists, then a good physical therapy program should be pursued.   If physical therapy doesn't correct the problem, then surgery may be necessary.  You should consult a doctor if you suspect you have runner's knee.

Video: Runner's Knee

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Knee injury and misalignment can often be prevented.  You should practice the following precautionary measures in order to avoid knee problems as much as possible:

• Lose weight – If this applies and you are overweight, visit your doctor and establish a healthy diet and exercise program.

• Strengthen – Make sure to keep your thigh muscles are strong.  Regularly stretch and strengthen them.  If you don't, your body will depend on the strength of your knee, which can result in knee injury.
• Stretch – Always stretch before and after physical activity.  This maintains the elasticity of your muscles preventing undo strain on your lower joints.
• Take it slow – If you are going to increase the intensity of your workout, do it slowly, gradually.  Abrupt increases set you up for injury.