Chondromalacia patella help

[thrice]

Guys I need your help. Last summer I started to experience some knee pain. At the onset my knee would be sore for the first few minutes of a ride but would go away. Then the pain became worse and worse so that I finally had to give up after the Baystate 'cross race. I haven't been back on the bike since then.

So far I've gone to see 3 chiropractors/sports therapist who haven't been able to help me. I finally broke down and went to see a traditional orthopedic surgeon/sports medicine MD. His diagnosis is patellofemoral syndrome or chondromalacia patella. Basically I've chewed up the knee joint to the point that it is rough and irregular leading to the pain. He said I'll never be able to ride pain free again, although with time I may be able to resume some small level of riding.

So is this it? Has anyone else dealt with this before? I've been racing for the last 21 years and being only 33 I just find it unimaginable to think my riding life is over.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Too Tall]

Interweb diagnosis blows bro. so pls. let this be a starting point a place to vent and maybe get some clues, deal?

As a coach and M.therapist I've seen plenty of this in mild and sometimes aggressive forms. A most common reason are unequal development of vastus muscles which for cyclists is not uncommon. Suggest you begin your search for help by contacting a pro sports team / league eg. football / basketball and see who has the hot hand so to speak.

I've helped dewds fix this by giving exercises to strengthen and balance these muscles, it helps alot.

For now you need immed. relief. Inflammation is the enemy. Ice and mild use of a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatories really works well. You might look at the Hammer Nutrition website and note the Tissue Rejuvenator product to understand what I mean by use of mild anti-inflammatories:
http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HN...T&PROD.ID=4057

Hang in there and don't settle until you are married to a diagnosis...that is in my world VERY important. Belief and understanding.

Good Luck.

[jean-jacques EPOeau]

One word: ORTHOTICS

I've been wearing orthotics since I climbed Mt. Washington when I was 8 and diagnosed with Chrondomalacia Patella
I never wear any footwear without them, which save me from looking like an idiot in flipflops.

Get a custom fitting by a trained professional, not a hack with a toaster oven.

I have running ones and cycling ones made by Bill Peterson, who went on to found e-soles.
http://www.esoles.com/

[jean-jacques EPOeau]

Bad info. I guess bill is still at work for himself. I believe he developed the technology and sold it to e-soles.

Check this link for Orthotics. http://www.wedofeet.com/

[r.molle]

so the magic 8-ball says you will never ride without pain again. He doesn't know that. Asshat gave you last rites on the first visit to his office. nsaids, rest, orthotics, exercises are good ideas, but you need a systematic plan of rehab to try to fight this and it sounds like you didn't get one.
educate yourself. search through the american academy of family practise website[aafp.org]. then go see another sports medicine doc who wants to see you succeed.

[thrice]

Hey guys thanks for the tips. I've been using Peterson and then E-Soles for the last 11 years. Also my fit has been the same for quite a few years now, although my 'cross bike has a slightly lower and more forward position. I've been stretching, going to yoga and using ice but I'm I've yet to go down the nsaid path.

I appreciate the info so keep it coming!

Thanks.

[Cary Ford]

i've had these issues since I was 13. i'm 43 and still riding strong.

i predict you'll be fine. but you have to rehab the knee. build strength, proper tracking, etc. you can do it in the weight room. riding can (and should) be a part of the rehab, too.

but you need an ortho and physical therapist who know what the fuck they're talking about. find one.

[soBRIquet]

Hang in there and don't settle until you are married to a diagnosis...that is in my world VERY important. Belief and understanding.

That's the bottom line right there - truer words are rarely spoken.

[twowheels]

have you had an mri? without it, the dignosis is not as valid.

you've got a couple issues. first, the patellar structure is inflamed. second, there, is a structural/mechanical cause.

you've got to treat the inflammation or you'll never get better. use RICE.

a ot of people have your diagnosis and function fine.

once you get the inflammation down, you've also got to understand the cause and correct it. its a patellar tracking problem often treatable by restoring muscular balance, tweaking bike fit, shoe fit, cleat placement, using a good free float pedal like the great times, full foot support with custom footbeds, having the orthotics posted properly.

keep an open mind. you need to find a skilled healer with cycling knowledge but most people with your problem get past it..

my gf received the diagnosis a couple months before she did the rim-to rim-to-rim hike in 2 days at the grand canyon.

[Shinomaster]

I started mountain biking in high school back in 1990 and was immediately in pain. I was diagnosed with condromalacia of the patella and have been riding with sensitive knees for almost 20 years. I try not to mash huge gears and it's one reason I don't ride a fixed gear bike. I also stay away from the big hills until I have a decent base.
Listen to your body. It wants you to make some changes.

[M_A_Martin]

A most common reason are unequal development of vastus muscles which for cyclists is not uncommon. ...I've helped dewds fix this by giving exercises to strengthen and balance these muscles, it helps alot.

I agree with the Tall one, strengthening the vastus muscles and other muscles around the knee really helped get rid of my issues with this.
I suggest fish oil as well...and MSM.

good luck