Behind the Knee Pain – Could it be Chondromalacia?

With a name so long and so menacing, you would think that chondromalacia would be life threatening. On the other hand, if you think about the effects it can have in your life, you may probably treat it as if it were life threatening. This particular condition gives the person constant behind the knee pain and is excruciating every time you try to move your knee.

So think about it. If you can't use your knee, you won't be able to enjoy the regular things that you do. If you love cycling, say goodbye to it. This goes the same for playing basketball, soccer, tennis and other activities which would require the use of your knees and legs. Without it, there would be considerable decrease in the quality of life that you will have. Now that could be considered as life-threatening for a lot of people, thus the need to look for immediate relief for it.

So what is chondromalacia and why should it be considered to be serious? Chondromalacia is the unnatural softening of the knee cartilage, with this softening; the kneecap will tend to rub with your thighbone, the femur, causing pain. Usually the kneecap should be gliding over the femur and avoid any friction. The said friction is what causes behind the knee pain.

If you have chondromalacia and behind the knee pain, it would be normal for you to be looking for relief as the pain and damage it may and can cause could range from minor to catastrophic if left unattended. If head on early, the softened cartilage may still be made stronger and the muscles around the knee supporting it can be given more strength to avoid the condition from ever happening again. If left alone, the cartilage may be completely worn off and surgery may be required to at least get a semblance of its former function and capabilities.

There are numerous factors which can be attributed to causing chondromalacia. Some of these are; overuse and abuse of the knee, trauma or force applied to the area, misalignment of the bones and other components of the knee, advancing age and a number of others.

If you have been afflicted with this painful condition, there are some things you need to avoid so as to not worsen the condition. Taking on activities that would apply more pressure to your knee can make the situation worse as the bones would be rubbing into each other more. And if you do some jumping or exercises where there would be a need for the knee to bear weight, the cartilage can be further damaged and maybe even stripped away from the bone.

When you experience chondromalacia, what you need to do is to immediately place an ice pack over the affected area to counter the swelling. Over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs will also be a lot of help. Plus you may also want to consider doing some physical exercises that would be therapeutic for your knee.

Remember, never take behind the knee pain lightly. Finding relief for it today and not tomorrow can spell the difference of your quality of life.

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