Chondromalacia patella
Alternative Names
Patellofemoral syndromeSymptoms
- A grating or grinding sensation when the knee is extended
- Knee pain in the front of the knee that worsens after sitting for a long period of time
- Knee pain that worsens with using stairs or getting out of a chair
- Knee tenderness
Exams and Tests
The doctor will perform a physical examination. The knee may be tender and mildly swollen, and the kneecap may not be perfectly lined up with the femur (thigh bone).
When you straighten your knee, a grinding sensation may be felt below the kneecap. Pressing the kneecap when the knee is straight may be painful.
X-rays are usually normal, although a special x-ray view of the kneecap may show signs of arthritis or tilting.
References
May TJ. Persistent anterior knee pain. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:277-278.
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