Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What can I do for my chondromalacia?

    Related Topic
    Sports Injuries & Prevention
    I have severe grade 4 chondromalacia and in constant pain.

    My surgeon told me there is nothing more he can do for me. He says I am too young for knee replacement but I cant keep going on like this as I am in so much pain.
    He has only advised me to see a Pain Management Specialist.

    I had a Lateral Release of the right knee done 3 months ago though it has not helped. My knee is still swollen and so painful. I am having physio and continue to do my strengthening exercises at home also.

    Are there any options for me? I need to be able to have some quality of life.
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 22

    Thanks

    Dr Ben Schutte

    Chiropractor

    I am a vitalistic chiropractor. Vitalism as a concept, in part, means that the whole is much more than the some of the parts. The … View Profile

    There are several things you can do. More than likely you are already doing some of them.
    Firstly, keep moving. Perhaps non weight bearing like riding a stationery cycle with no load. Or to swim only using your legs for kicking. To slow this down, use training flippers and cork board held in your hands. Take lots EPA fish oils, 6 to 12 grams per day. Have an alkaline diet. take 1500 mg of glusomine per day. there are anti-inflamatory herbs you can take. Make sure your pelvis is level. If not then there may be more pressure on your right knee. you may need a heel lift. Make sure your feet are not over pronating

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 24

    Thanks

    Mr Dirk Van Bavel

    Orthopaedic Surgeon

    Mr van Bavel completed his medical degree through the University of Melbourne in 1995, winning the ‘Neil Bromberger prize in Orthopaedics’. His Orthopaedic training was … View Profile

    The management of Chondromalacia depends on the grade of disease and severity of symptoms.
    Physiotherapy, analgesics, antiinflammatories and exercise can all help. While lots of people take glucosamine , fish oil and krill oil there is little evidence for its use.
    Surgery can be cnsidered but would depend on many factors including; how large an area of your patella is involved, the shape of your trochlea ( the groove the patella sits in),your age,  and the condition of the rest of your knee. IF the damage is limited to your patella you may be a candidate for a partial knee replacement . It is always worth getting a second opinion for a problem like this. You should see a surgeon with a particular interest in patellofemoral problems.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 7

    Thanks

    Ingrid Pitt

    HealthShare Member

    In response to your answer, I would like to say thank you for your opinion. I have an appointment with another surgeon next week. My patella is all virtually grade 4. very tiny area of normal cartilage only. The lateral facet is extremely severe. My age is 52 and the rest of my knee is good. I am still in a lot of pain and can not use stairs as now my left knee is also extremely sore. My knee is always swollen and I am unable to straighten it fully for the pain. I need to find some relief soon. I am constantly taking pain relievers for some relief  and do not want to live my life relying on them. Looking forward to hearing an opinion from this surgeon soon. Once again thank you for your response. 

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr Christian Barton

    Physiotherapist

    Hi, I am Dr Christian Barton and I have pleasure of being the chief editor of the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Blog. … View Profile

    Here are some great resources on patellofemoral pain (chondromalacia)

    http://semrc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/resources/education-leaflet/

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 6

    Thanks

    Ben Strachan

    Physiotherapist

    Ben Strachan graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Charles Sturt University. He has over 15,000 hours experience working as a physiotherapist. During … View Profile

    Ben Strachan.

    Physiotherapist 

    www.ownerhealth.com.au

    www.bardonphysio.com.au



    Thanks for the questions. 

    As you're aware chondromalacia is a condition in which the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap deteriorates. Grade four chondromalacia is the most severe classification and indicates most of the cartilage is damaged. 

    Rehabilitation is complicated, although there are treatments available. 

    Movement:

    I agree with the other health professionals, movement is very important. I would recommend hydrotherapy. Many people with knee injuries find the decreased weight bearing and warmth of the water helpful. Gentle walking, cycling, and noodle exercises. I would suggest you start with short sessions at low intensity and increase as tolerated. Cycling on a stationary bike can also be helpful. If you're able to tolerate the above movements more exercises are available. However I would recommend you increase very slowly. 

    Braces and supports:

    Many people with chronic knee pain trial a knee brace or support. Unfortunately I don't find many trials successful. Generally a compression knee brace without patella hole is the most comforting. 

    Surgery: 

    In severe cases, the joint surfaces have excessively deteriorated and surgery is required. As mentioned by Dr Dirk Van Bavel, this is typically a partial or full knee replacement. 

    Glucosamine & Fish Oil:

    Unfortunately the evidence behind supplements assisting chronic knee pain is limited. However I do know many clients claiming otherwise. I would discuss with a doctor or pharmacist. 

    I with you all the best in your recovery. 

    I understand you're in a lot of pain and I hope you've found this response helpful.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices