Knee pain at a young age? This condition is more common than arthritis.

Knee pain is a common occurrence among older adults. However, recently, a growing number of younger people are complaining of knee pain due to strenuous exercise like running or golf. If knee pain persists without a specific cause, you should consider chondromalacia patellae. Let's learn about the symptoms and prevention methods of chondromalacia patellae.

 

◇Cartilage weakens and becomes damaged

 

Articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber, allowing bones to move smoothly and without friction. Chondromalacia, a condition in which the normally firm cartilage softens or weakens, occurs most frequently in young adults, particularly women. It progresses from simple swelling to cracking and damage throughout the cartilage.

The most common symptom of chondromalacia patellae is dull pain and numbness in the front of the knee joint. The pain is particularly aggravated and stiff when standing up after sitting for a long time, climbing stairs, or kneeling or squatting. Furthermore, a grinding sensation may occur when moving the knee, along with a clicking or popping sound when bending it.

 

◇Excessive dieting may be the cause

 

Chondromalacia patellae can occur following trauma to the kneecap cartilage, such as a severe blow to the knee, a fracture, or a dislocation. However, chondromalacia patellae does not always occur after trauma. It can also occur in structural abnormalities of the knee and femur, in cases of outward leg rotation, or in cases of meniscus damage that interferes with the movement and stability of the kneecap. It is also more common in young people with low muscle mass who engage in strenuous exercise and dieting to lose weight.

 

◇Avoid habits that put strain on your joints

Mild cases of chondromalacia are treated with medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Rest for two to three months is recommended to reduce pain and inflammation and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective and there are abnormalities in the shape or alignment of the patellofemoral joint, surgery may be considered.

 

The surgery involves making a small incision less than 1 cm in diameter on the knee, and then inserting a 3 mm diameter arthroscope equipped with a special lens and miniature camera into the knee cartilage. This allows for direct visualization of the knee's interior, removal of the affected cartilage, and smoothing of the patellar joint surface.

 

Preventing chondromalacia is paramount. Avoid lifestyle habits that strain the knee joints. Avoid squatting or sitting cross-legged, as these can put pressure on the knees.

 

Hiking, climbing stairs, and running can also strain your knees and are not recommended. Instead, walking on flat surfaces, cycling on an indoor bike, or swimming are recommended. Furthermore, because fatigue in the front thigh muscles can worsen kneecap friction, strengthening and stretching the thigh muscles is recommended.

 

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I think squats are really good

These days, we don't spend much time on the floor because we spend our time at the dining table or sofa.

They say that sitting cross-legged or bending over is even worse for your knees.

 

Because cartilage cannot regenerate

In particular, you need to take care of your knee health when you are healthy.