General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Chondromalacia patella Rss Feed  
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2013-11-21 9:31 AM

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Subject: Chondromalacia patella
Has anyone had this? I originally thought I had a torn meniscus. I was getting a lot of pain after running and my knee would lock up but then with rest I was fine until the next run. After the MRI, the dr. said there was no tear but some signs of arthritis and chondromalacia. How did Physical Therapy go? How long did it take to get back to "normal"?

Thanks!


2013-11-26 10:43 AM
in reply to: TeddieMao

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Subject: RE: Chondromalacia patella
do lots of single leg exercises. avoid using machines that work both legs at once. This I'm learning!
2013-11-26 2:36 PM
in reply to: TeddieMao

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Subject: RE: Chondromalacia patella

I've had tracking issues with my right patella for years.  My ortho surgeon suggested surgery at one time years ago, but I've resisted that.   It flairs up occasionally when running, and decending stairs is always painful.  I've learned to manage it by taking walk breaks during long runs and by adjusting my gait (shortening my stride and increasing my cadence).

I've tried a couple of different support straps and like the Nike Patella Band best.  I wear it all time for running: either training or for stand-alone running races.  I've not worn it for sprint or Oly triathlons, but would probably put it on in T2 if I ever did a HIM or IM. 

Mark

2013-12-17 1:59 AM
in reply to: TeddieMao

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Huntington Beach
Subject: RE: Chondromalacia patella
I'm so sorry to hear about the Chondro... its one that I usually tell people to do some strength training on the off season and consider dropping to faster yet shorter events and that all seems to help a bit. If you truely get an idea of what it is you would be able to make a better choose of races because you have to weigh your risks. Here's a good video on Chondromalacia Patella for some more info http://www.p2sportscare.com/2013/06/25/chondromalacia-patella/
2013-12-17 9:16 AM
in reply to: artmansg

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Subject: RE: Chondromalacia patella
Thanks for all the advice!
2013-12-18 9:32 AM
in reply to: TeddieMao

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Subject: RE: Chondromalacia patella
I have found that wearing a knee brace helps the knee cap track properly. I'll wear it for about a week and that eases up the pain in the kneecap. I'm thinking getting the k-tape to shift your kneecap a little probably would do the trick and be less bulky.

But in the long term, building up the leg muscles helps. It's why I started cycling more.


2014-05-13 5:17 PM
in reply to: TeddieMao

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Subject: RE: Chondromalacia patella
Hopefully someone whose been through this will post something meaningful. I've also recently been diagnosed with this inconvenient affliction.

I have a mild case so my Ortho said - no running for 12 weeks. Period. That's a tough pill to swallow but if it means I can get back to normal training after that i may try and stick to that plan. It's grinding of the cartilage with running so there is no recovery from major damage. I'm terrified of not letting it heal while the diagnosis is still "mild".

I'll do some aquabike events in the mean time.

Apparently my onset of this was the result of a gait change due to a broken foot last Fall. I ramped up the training late winter and the loss of dorsiflexion in my right foot manifested in a choppy stride which resulted in my hips adapting to the loss of flexibility which tightened my hip flexors and Psoas. That took my knee somewhat out of aliment and resulted in the patella grinding away at the femur.

So I don't have a knee problem. I have a foot flexibility problem.

I'm doing a ton of PT work to get my core, hips and feet aligned so that my gait goes back on track. (literally) You really need an individualized program because everyone has different weakness and imbalances the need to modify if you were 'normal" once and now suffer from this.

I'll post a reply in a few weeks as I learn more about this.
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