Heeelp! Chondromalacia (aka knee pain)

[surgtech1956]

Hello, I have patella chondromalacia - Grade 3 - that I have been dealing with since May 2006 as a result of a fall at work. I had a knee scope done in January. Had 3 rounds of PT, now on Celebrex. Chondromalacia can take some time to resolve itself. You can also seek another opinion. Yes, did you have an MRI? Surgery should be a last result. Do lots of research - there is an excellent web site - forum --- www.kneegeeks.com It was the most help for me. Good luck and keep us updated.

[freshwater_pr0n]

Well, the very next step is this week's meeting with my PT. He's going to teach me how to tape my knee.

If that doesn't help things, he's going to anesthaetize my knee and do a bunch of diagnostic tests on it.

What worries him is that even with several weeks of rest and PT, the inflammation in my knees hasn't gone down much.

This Dr. is pretty conservative and probably already has a nice boat. I'm just looking for anecdotes!

[salsabike]

Have you had a bike fit? Your saddle may be too low.

Here's one of the better summaries on the web about cycling and knee pain, including chondromalicia (I've had mild chrondro. for many years):

http://www.cptips.com/knee.htm

I keep my saddle fairly high, and also switched down to 165 mm. crank length.

[KnottedYet]

How about insoles/orthotics posted with a 2-6 degree wedge at the medial forefoot?

Patellar pain on the bike is pretty classic for a forefoot that needs some medial posting, especially for women. (I assume your PT addressed any other potential issues. VMO and taping is all peachy for walking/running/general knee health, but continuous weightbearing thru the forefoot has a very different effect on the kinetic chain and knee mechanics.)

Knot-beat-chondromalacia-thru-better-footwear.

[Velobambina]

Or better yet "Superfeet Knot!!" Thank you for recommending them, by the way. Both my podiatrist and my PT were impressed that I was using the green ones.

[short cut sally]

I had right knee pain that developed last year, only while riding bike, Went to a bike shop (not where I purchased my bike) who did the whole walk this line, walk that way, hop here and there, squat. Just so happened to have my bike and shoes with me. He kinda did a fit, off the bike, on the bike again, keep peddling, and he ended up moving ever so slightly my spd clip on my right shoe. That made the world of difference to me. I had pain to the outer aspect of my knee, and he said it would take a little bit of time for it to resolve, and so happened I was off the bike d/t weather and Ive not been bothered since. Just a suggestion.

[gingergin]

I have had right knee chondromalacia - no cartilage behind my kneecap, for 2 1/2 years, as seen on an MRI. The worst part for me was pain with bending the knee and lack of range of motion. After 7 months of PT and 6 weeks of accupuncture it wasn't much better. About a year a half ago I decided to try clinical massage therapy and was lucky enough to find someone great. After only a couple treatments my range of motion improved. Though it is still not 100% it is way better than it was. He also works on my back and hip as they get cranky too. It is not an inexpensive treatment, but you can use Flexible Spending Account if you get that. I would recommend to anyone!
When I bough my bike last year I didn't know how my knee would handle it, but I am sure cycling is helping as well as the massage therapy.
If anyone in the Boston area wants to know who my therapist is just email me!