What is the treatment for Grade 4 chondromalacia?
Regular non-weight-bearing exercises, such as cycling, rowing or swimming. Cartilage and bone nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium and vitamin K twice per day. Tylenol and/or anti-inflammatory medication (i.e. Diclofenac/Voltaren or Ibuprofen/Motrin). Walking and standing on softer surfaces.
Can Grade 3 chondromalacia heal?
Complete recovery is rare. Treatment is designed to improve knee function and delay the development of osteoarthritis. In cases treated by arthroscopic surgery, recovery takes 1-6 months depending on the extent of cartilage damage.
How do you treat Grade 3 chondromalacia?
The most common way to treat symptoms of chondromalacia patella is to rest the knee. Other ways to treat the symptoms include: Placing of an ice or cold pack to the area for 15-20 minutes, four times daily, for several days. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
What is a grade 4 chondral defect?
Grade IV – The cartilage may wear away completely, leaving the underlying bone exposed in small or widespread areas. When the involved areas are large, pain usually becomes more severe, causing a limitation in activity.
What is the best treatment for Grade 4 chondromalacia patella?
How is chondromalacia patella treated?
- Placing of an ice or cold pack to the area for 15-20 minutes, four times daily, for several days.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief—These include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
Do you need surgery for chondromalacia?
Purpose of Chondromalacia Surgery Chondromalacia surgery is generally not a first-line procedure for this medical diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will suggest less invasive options first: R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compress, elevate): This will be the first recommended treatment option for chondromalacia injuries.
Is Grade 3 chondromalacia painful?
Typical symptoms include pain that is related to weight-bearing activities and is relieved by rest. Pain is often located along the inner (medial) aspect of the knee. Slight swelling and weakness are commonly present. Also, some patients may experience a catching or grinding sensation.
Does chondromalacia require surgery?
The treatments can include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, stretching, bracing, injections, or arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery for patellar chondromalacia involves placing instruments into the knee to shave down any unstable cartilage flaps on the patella and the trochlear groove.
Is chondromalacia serious?
Chondromalacia patella is rarely a severe condition. In fact, most people can manage it with rest, elevation, ice, and stretching. However, for some people, the condition can worsen to the point where pain cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and other at-home treatments.
Is stage 4 osteoarthritis serious?
Stage 4 (Severe) Stage 4 OA is considered severe. People in stage 4 OA of the knee experience great pain and discomfort when they walk or move the joint. That’s because the joint space between bones is dramatically reduced. The cartilage is almost completely gone, leaving the joint stiff and possibly immobile.
What is Grade 2 chondral thinning?
Grade II: This stage will present a partial-thickness defect with fibrillation (shredded appearance) or fissures (depressions) on the surface that do not reach the bone or exceed 1.5 cm in diameter.
What is end stage osteoarthritis knee?
End-stage arthritis is the progressive wearing down of the cartilage that is present between the bones of a joint causing the bones to come in contact with each other and painfully rub against each other during movement of the joint. This results in severe pain with loss of movement and function.