Knee Pain

Chondromalacia knee pain is generally considered an overuse injury in young athletes, however it can affect older more sedentary individuals also. 

Symptoms Of Chondromalacia Knee Pain 

• Pain under or along the sides of the kneecap 
• Pain the develops gradually over time
• Pain that is worse with: walking up & down stairs, sitting and squatting 

Causes of Chondromalacia Knee Pain 

Muscle imbalances of the front thigh muscles (quadriceps muscles) is the primary cause. These muscles attach to the kneecap and when they contract each muscle has a pulling effect on the kneecap.

With Chondromalacia knee pain the inner thigh muscle (Vastus Medialis) is often weak and the outer thigh muscle (Vastus Lateralis) overly tight. This can lead to a muscle imbalance around the knee.

This muscle imbalance can pull the kneecap out of its groove during activities like walking or running. 

When the kneecap does not travel through its groove, friction can develop between the kneecap and the thigh bone (Femur) that resides under it. This friction between the kneecap and thigh bone can cause the under side of the kneecap to soften, resulting in knee pain that is felt under or around the kneecap.  

At Poke Acupuncture we provide a very thorough assessment and acupuncture treatment for knee pain. We use orthopedic and muscle testing to assess the knee, hip and thigh.

Once assessed a diagnosis is presented and a treatment utilizing: acupuncture, motor point acupuncture, massage therapy, kinesio taping, herbal liniments, and corrective exercises is carried out.

For more information or to book an appointment please contact us. 

Ryan Samuels 
Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner 

 

References 

Dutton, Mark, Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation and Intervention (McGraw-Hill Companies, 3rd ed, 2012)

Reaves, Whitfield, Chad Bong, The Acupuncture Handbook Of Sports Injuries and Pain (Hidden Needle Press, 2011)