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Chondrosis, also known as chondromalacia, is a gentle or less smooth cartilage, mainly the one that covers the backside of the kneecap. The soft cartilage may result in pain whenever stress is applied to the lower side of the kneecap while performing activities like kneeling, prolonged sitting, or going downstairs.

What Causes Chondrosis?

Your kneecap generally presides over the front side of your knee joint. As you turn your knee, the area below your kneecap glides over the cartilage surrounding your thigh bone or femur at the knee. Ligaments and Tendons join your kneecap to your thigh bone and shinbone. When any of those components do not move correctly, it might cause your kneecap to slide up against your thigh bone. This unusual rubbing can destroy the patella, causing chondrosis of the knee.

Poor kneecap activity may result from:

• Improper alignment because of a congenital issue

• Weak quadriceps and hamstrings (the muscles in the front and back of your thighs)

• Poor muscle balance among the abductors and adductors (the muscles present on the outer and inner sides of your thighs)

• Continuous stress to your knee joints, like running, jumping, or skiing. 

• A trauma or direct blow to your kneecap

Who is at Risk for Chondrosis?

Various factors might increase your chances of developing mild chondrosis.

Age

Young adults and Adolescents are at increased risk for this disorder. During growth spurts, the bones and muscles develop speedily, which may contribute to minor muscle imbalances and weak knees.

Sex

Ladies are more likely than men to experience chondritis, as they typically have less muscle mass. This might cause unusual knee posture and greater lateral (side) stress on the kneecap.

Flat feet

Flat feet may place more stress on the knee joints than higher arches.

A handful of people may also experience knee stiffness, swollen knee, or joint deformity. Sometimes, if you ignore the symptoms, it can lead to loss of muscle strength or quadriceps tendon pain. Also, this condition also impacts the knee’s range of motion that includes:

• Knee Flexion

• Extension

• Adduction

• Abduction

• Rotation

Previous injury

Previous damage to the kneecap, like dislocation, can elevate your risk of facing chondrosis.

High activity level

If you possess a high movement level or are busy with frequent physical exercises that exert pressure on your knee joints, this might increase the chances of knee issues.

Arthritis

Chondrosis can also indicate arthritis, a disorder causing swelling to the tissue or joint. Inflammation can protect the kneecap from moving correctly.

What are the Stages Of Chondrosis?

At Stage 0 – Normal: It is when your knee or other joint has no sign, and you enjoy a normal length.

Stage 1 – Trivial: You may experience minor wear and tear, and the bone spur grows at the knee end. you may feel slight pain or discomfort.

Stage 2 – Mild: The bone spur growth will be more than the trivial stage. Although, the bone spaces seem to be normal. However, you may experience joint pain and stiffness.

Stage 3 – Modest: In this stage, you may experience significant cartilage deterioration among bones. While fibrillation tightens the gap between the bones.

Stage 4 – Severe: In the severe stage, the joint space among the bones is notably reduced, making the cartilage wear off, and making the joint stiff. You may also experience a severe inflammatory response that adds to pain and discomfort.

Finding Out If You Have Them

Diagnosing chondrosis is essential for treating them well and analyzing the proper management and prognosis. It also helps patients know the risk factors and lifestyle changes to offer them better.

Physical Exam

The first diagnostic technique doctors employ when analyzing chondritis is a physical examination. Pain physicians in Ennis check the joints for indications of swelling, redness, tenderness, and reduced mobility. They additionally ask about the history of joint issues.

Imaging Test

Imaging tests manifest the complete diagram of the internal issue of the affected joint. The two primary and widely applied imaging tests include X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• X-rays facilitate the detection of chondrosis at early stages. An x-ray between chondrosis might show any results.

• MRI depicts severe joint deterioration in osteoarthritis and might identify cartilage destruction in chondritis.

Depending on the joint condition, pain management in Dallas can even include various other procedures, like CT scans and blood tests.

Treatment Options of Chondrosis

There is no treatment for chondrosis. However, you can manage the issues effectively.

• Lifestyle Modification

Prioritize joint-friendly exercises, including low-impact aerobics. Keep a healthy weight to decrease joint stress.

• Medications

Prescription-free medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, can ease initial symptoms of chondrosis.

• Physical Therapy

 To protect and support cartilage, practice yoga, balanced training, and tai chi. Perform exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the afflicted joints.

• Joint Injections

Knee pain specialists in Dallas suggest corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injectables when joint fitness has been prominently demolished. These injectables reduce aches and improve joint movements by lubricating them.

• Dietary Supplements

KneeIn any case, a knee pain doctor in Dallas might suggest glucosamine or chondroitin to enhance cartilage health.

• Pain Management Techniques

You might apply heat or cold treatment or pain management techniques specific to the impacted joint.

Surgery

When chondrosis develops to the point of extreme pain or mobility restrictions, surgery might provide a consistent and effective option. Taking a high quantity of pain medication is not an appropriate scenario for your fitness, and neither can you exercise or have a good night's nap.

Surgery may include multiple steps, such as arthroscopic surgery to eliminate inflamed tissue after replacing or stabilizing lost cartilage.

Summary

Chondrosis can occur as the cartilage tears down within a joint and may result from excessive use, normal aging, and damage. It mainly occurs in the hands, knees, neck, hips, and lower back. Signs may include stiffness and pain in the impacted area.