Chondromalcia of the knee
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Chondromalcia is also known as Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome (PFSS), as well as softening of the cartilage of the kneecap (which is also known as patella), as well as "anterior knee pain", which are also referred to as patellalgia. Such factors as abnormal pressure across the joint surface or hormonal changes in the body can cause softening of patella's cartilage. Softening of the cartilage can proceed to cracking and eventually to complete loss of the cartilage lining beneath the patella. The pain described as dual ache, is located in front of the knee and sometimes associated with swelling. Certain activities such as squatting, prolong sitting with the leg bent at 90 degree angle, or climbing up and down stairs can worsen the pain.
Chondromalcia of the knee is one of the most common problems of the knee and is especially common disease among running and jumping athletes as a result of constant pressure applied to the knee. Young teenagers and especially females are another category to be affected by chondromalcia due to the time after rapid changes in height as well as weight where as a result the knee must carry more weight then it normally would leading to the extra pressure on the patella and resulting in chondromalcia.
The pain is sometimes improved with rest, use of pain medications and/or wearing of knee braces. There are several ways to make that pain go away. One of them is using an ice, cold therapy, however person has to make sure that using it properly otherwise that spot can get burned...