The non-surgical sports ortho isn't convinced my meniscus is torn because I passed all of the tests for it. He says it could be Chondromalacia, where the underside of the patella is inflamed and the cartilage softens. The Xray showed it, and Dr. "W" seems to think that it's chronic--if that's what is is. He said I probably inflammed the knee somehow. For now it's a few days off, I got a cortisone shot, and icing/Advil. If it doesn't feel better by Friday, Dr. W said he would send me for a MRI. Based on that, we can try some other nonsurgical interventions, or he'll refer me to Dr. Famous for a surgical consult. Dr. W said that is the Chondromalacia doesn't get better in a few weeks, it probably needs to be cleaned up anyway....if that is what it is.
The good news is that I can still ride as much as I want after resting a few days b/c of the cortisone shot!
So, has anyone has chondromalacia and if so, did a cortisone shot work for you? If not, what did?
I am not sure if that is exactly what I have, but I was told by an ortho as a kid that I have rough cartilage under my kneecap. When inflamed, it can get very painful, and I can feel the cartilage scaping against my knee, but I've never needed anything more than Advil to treat it. I guess when you have it forever, you just get used to the pain? The only thing that keeps it at bay is keeping the muscles around my knee strong.
I would have someone look at your mechanics before a cortisone shot (given the damage they can do). Often focusing on hip strength can help. Also tight hip flexors can contribute. I wouldn't be surprised if yours are given all the time on the bike.
Post by emilyinchile on Feb 9, 2016 11:11:11 GMT -5
I have chrondromalacia. I did have a cortisone shot that helped a lot, but that was primarily for bursitis in the same knee which was my main problem at the time. Every so often my knee hurts, but the doctor's opinion was basically that I'm not doing any damage, so I can continue to whatever level of pain I can take, and for me it's never bad enough to be a major problem. I hope the time off and shot do the trick!