Why does my kneecap hurt when climbing stairs?
In chondromalacia, the cartilage under the kneecap softens and wears away. This can cause knee pain when climbing stairs, for example, but not at other times. It is also known as chondromalacia patellae. The knee consists of moving parts, including the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella).
Can chondromalacia patella heal on its own?
Treatment. Unlike the damage to cartilage caused by arthritis, damage caused by chondromalacia can often heal. Conservative treatment is usually recommended first since rest and physical therapy may eliminate the symptoms. First, the inflammation caused by chondromalacia must be allowed to subside.
How long does it take to recover from chondromalacia patella?
With a mild problem, your recover may take only 1-2 weeks. With a severe problem, your recovery may take up to one or two months, or may not be helped with arthroscopic surgery, and may require further surgery. You may have rough surface cartilage under your kneecap, with pain and tenderness (called chondromalacia).
What causes knee cap pain without injury?
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. Gout, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. Pseudogout, a buildup of calcium crystals in the joint fluid. Septic arthritis, caused by infection inside the knee joint.
How do you test for chondromalacia patella?
How is chondromalacia patella diagnosed?
- Blood tests and/or a standard knee X-ray – This may help to rule out some types of arthritis or inflammation.
- MRI scan- A tests that shows details of the knee joint and can reveal many cases of chondromalacia patella.
What happens if chondromalacia goes untreated?
Chondromalacia patella will not resolve itself on its own, and it gets worse with time. If left untreated, the cartilage under your kneecap will disintegrate, and your patella will become vulnerable.
Why does the knee feel pain when going up stairs?
Chondromalacia Patella. Chondromalacia patella occurs when the smooth,slippery cartilage tissue that lines the back of your knee cap (patella) begins to soften and break down.
What causes pain under the knee cap?
Pain during exercise and activities that regularly kneel,such as climbing stairs,running,jumping,or squatting.
Why do I have knee pain walking down stairs?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is also known as jumper’s knee or runner’s knee.
Does climbing stairs worsen knee pain?
Pain in the front of the knee/knee cap is a common complaint from knee pain suffers when they climb or descend a set of stairs. Stair climbing places additional stress on injured knee tissues such as tendons and cartilage. Patellar tendinitis can cause knee pain when climbing stairs.