Beware of this pain! Patellar chondromalacia is more common than you think.

Patellar chondromalacia may sound unfamiliar, but you probably know it by another name—runner's knee!

Generally, we refer to the degeneration or damage of the cartilage between the patella (the kneecap) and the femur (the thigh bone), which leads to changes such as swelling, erosion, cracking, fragmentation, and detachment. This, in turn, affects the femoral cartilage, resulting in a joint condition in the patella known as patellar chondromalacia.

What factors contribute to the formation of patellar chondromalacia?

1. Frequent repetitive activities involving knee flexion and extension, such as running, jumping, and the currently popular cycling.

2. An imbalance in the strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings, which means the muscles at the front and back of the thigh are not evenly developed, leading to abnormal movement of the patella over the femur.

3. Abnormal positioning of the patella, which could be due to an unusual shape of the patella itself, loose ligaments, or tight muscles.

4. Conditions such as flat feet, excessive pronation, or mechanical issues in the hips and ankles can also increase pressure on the knee joint, affecting the normal movement of the patella.

5. Lastly, external trauma, such as a direct impact to the knee, can also lead to patellar chondromalacia.

Understanding these factors makes it easier to formulate a recovery plan. Depending on the severity of patellar chondromalacia, we can categorize treatment into conservative and surgical approaches.

The core focus of conservative treatment is to strengthen the quadriceps, especially the vastus medialis, to help improve the trajectory of the patella.

Additionally, strengthening the hip and ankle muscles is essential to improve the overall biomechanical state.

Wearing appropriate knee sleeves can provide extra support and stability for our knees during activities. We recommend the Jlebow EliteFlex Knee Sleeve, designed with bioactive fabric and a patellar stabilizer to help keep the patella in the correct position, reduce friction, and enhance overall comfort. Wearing knee sleeves during strength training can also protect the knee joints, making them an essential part of your fitness routine.

Using certified knee sleeves like the Jlebow EliteFlex can ensure the performance and quality, aiding in the recovery of knee health. In addition to relying on knee sleeves, we also need to engage in planned and gradual muscle strengthening exercises and flexibility training.

In addition to relying on knee sleeves, we also need to engage in planned and gradual muscle strengthening exercises and flexibility training.

Now, let’s talk about special situations. If conservative treatment is ineffective, we may need to consider surgery to address anatomical abnormalities or repair cartilage damage. It's essential to adjust daily activities and avoid prolonged pressure on the patella.

For large weight people, weight management is also important. Wearing knee sleeves during exercise can help reduce the burden on the knee joint.

Runner's knee is quite common, but the issues it brings can significantly affect our daily lives. Have you ever been troubled by "runner's knee"?