Treatment
Pain at the front of the knee due to overuse can be managed with a basic program consisting of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy; however, if there is cartilage damage this is not easily repairable.
Usually chondromalacia develops with no swelling or bruising. The treatment of chondromalacia remains controversial, but most individuals can undergo effective treatment by resting the knee and adhering to a proper physical therapy program. Allowing the inflammation of chondromalacia to settle is the first step of treatment. Avoiding painful activities that irritate the knee for several weeks, followed by a gradual return to activity is important. In this time, cross-training activities, such as swimming, can allow an athlete to maintain fitness while resting the knee. The next step in treatment is a physical therapy program that should emphasize strengthening and flexibility of the muscles of the hips and thighs. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication is also helpful to minimize the pain associated with chondromalacia. Treatment with surgery is declining in popularity for two reasons: good outcomes without surgery, and the small number of patients who actually benefit from surgical treatment.
Read more about this topic: Chondromalacia Patellae
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