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Showing posts with the label knee health

Chondromalacia Patellae: Understanding Runner's Knee

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Introduction Chondromalacia patellae, or runner's knee, is a condition characterized by the softening and deterioration of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. This deterioration can result in pain, discomfort, and grinding sensations in the knee joint. Although it is commonly seen as an overuse injury in sports, it can also be caused by improper knee alignment. While rest may provide relief in some cases, others may require more targeted treatment approaches. What Causes Chondromalacia Patellae? Improper Kneecap Movement The normal movement of the kneecap involves gliding over the cartilage of the femur when the knee is bent. However, if any of the components involved in this movement fail to function correctly, the kneecap can rub against the thigh bone, leading to chondromalacia patellae. Several factors can contribute to improper kneecap movement, including poor alignment due to a congenital condition, weak hamstrings and quadriceps, muscle imbalance between the adduc...

Ouch in Your Knees? Here's How to Fight Back Against Knee Arthritis

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Knee pain can be a life-altering inconvenience. It can steal the joy out of your favourite activities, make those everyday walks feel like an uphill battle, and leave you yearning for the days your knees moved with effortless grace. But before you resign yourself to a life of limited mobility, it's crucial to understand the culprit behind your discomfort: knee arthritis. The photograph shows a typical valgus alignment of the left knee and the x-ray shows what lays beneath the skin. Unmasking the Enemy: A Breakdown of Different Knee Arthritis Types Arthritis isn't a singular villain in this story, but rather an umbrella term for a group of conditions affecting your joints. When it comes to the knees, the most common foe is osteoarthritis, often referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. This condition develops when the cartilage, the smooth, cushioning material between your bones, starts to break down. This breakdown disrupts the joint's natural lubrication, lea...