Chondromalacia patella

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Chondromalacia of the patella

Runners knee

Patellofemoral syndrome; Anterior knee pain

• Knee tenderness
• Knee pain in the front of the knee that worsens after sitting for prolonged time
• Knee pain that worsens with using stairs or getting out of a chair
• A grating or grinding sensation when the knee is extended

The doctor will perform a physical examination. The knee may be tender and mildly swollen, and the kneecap may not be perfectly lined up with the femur (thigh bone).

When you straighten your knee, a grinding sensation may be felt below the kneecap. Pressing the kneecap when the knee is straight may be painful.

X-rays are usually normal, although a special x-ray view of the kneecap may show signs of arthritis or tilting.

Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.