The treatment for patellar chondromalacia can be done with rest, use of ice packs and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the legs, especially the quadriceps, which forms the anterior part of the thigh in order to reduce pain, inflammation and friction between the bone. the thigh, the femur and the knee bone, the patella.
Although the pain and discomfort in the anterior part of the knee decrease with the use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics and cold compresses, it is important to have physiotherapy sessions to strengthen the leg muscles so that the knee joint is more stable, reducing the recurrence of symptoms.
Pain in the front of the knee usually worsens when sitting and climbing stairs, as well as walking and crouching. See what you can do at home to relieve knee pain.
Medicines
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedies can be used in pill form and also in the form of ointment to be applied directly to the pain site, but always under the guidance of the orthopedic doctor because there are restrictions and contraindications that must be respected.
Usually the drugs are indicated for 7 days, right at the beginning of the treatment to relieve pain and facilitate movement, but they should not be used any longer because they can harm the stomach. In addition, before taking any anti-inflammatory drugs, it is recommended to take a gastric protector to protect the stomach walls. Taking the medicine after meals also helps to decrease the gastric discomfort it can cause.
Ointments can be used 2 or 3 times a day, with a small massage, until it is completely absorbed by the skin. Applying the ointment after a warm bath can increase its effectiveness, because it makes it more easily absorbed.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is very important and can be done using devices that act as an analgesic, relieving pain, and anti-inflammatory, fighting inflammation and must be prescribed by the physiotherapist after an evaluation with this professional.
Initially, each session may consist of: apparatus, kinesiotherapy techniques such as joint and patellar mobilization, strengthening exercises, stretching and cold compresses.
The physiotherapist can indicate the use of devices such as tension, ultrasound, laser or infrared, for a period of time and then exercises that should strengthen the muscles of the anterior and lateral thighs should be performed, for example:
Each exercise can be performed in 3 sets of 10 to 20 repetitions. At the beginning of the treatment, the exercises can be performed without weight, but it is necessary to increase the resistance, placing different weights on the shin, as the pain decreases.
Stretching the muscles in the back of the thigh is also very important for knee recovery. Some stretching exercises that can be performed after strengthening exercises can be:
To do these stretches, just stand in the position indicated by each image for 1 minute, for 3 to 5 consecutive times. However, you should not keep the same stretch for more than 1 minute because it will have no benefit and that is why it is important to take breaks every minute, so that the muscle can return to its neutral position, before starting a new stretch. These stretches can be performed daily at home to help with treatment.
Cold compresses can be useful after physical therapy exercises. To do this, just apply the compress to the painful area, leaving it to act for 20 minutes, but with a cloth with thin fabric to protect the skin. See when it's best to use hot or cold compress in the following video:
Here is an exercise that can be useful when there is no more pain, in the final stage of treatment: Proprioception exercises for the knee.
Surgery
In the most severe cases, when the person has grades IV or V of patellar chondropathy, an alteration that can be discovered on an x-ray of the knee or an MRI, the orthopedist may indicate knee surgery to repair the injury, and the following the individual should have at least 6 weeks of physiotherapy to improve the range of knee movements and be able to walk, run and sit normally, without any pain. Find out how this surgery can be done by clicking here.
