Treatment for Chondromalacia Patella Birmingham & Warwickshire

Chondromalacia Patella: Protecting Your Kneecap with Advanced Treatments

Anterior knee pain is a common complaint in both active individuals and those who spend long periods sitting or climbing stairs. One of the most frequent underlying causes is chondromalacia patella, a condition where the cartilage beneath the kneecap softens and begins to degenerate. While the discomfort can be mild initially, if left untreated, the condition may progress to more significant joint degeneration and long-term functional impairment.

At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, with specialist clinics serving Birmingham and Warwickshire, we focus on diagnosing chondromalacia early and providing evidence-based treatments. Our approach combines rehabilitation, biomechanical correction, and advanced injection therapies such as hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce pain, improve movement, and most importantly, protect the cartilage and slow degenerative changes.

Understanding Chondromalacia Patella

The patella, or kneecap, normally glides smoothly over the femur during movement, thanks to a layer of articular cartilage that acts as a low-friction cushion. In chondromalacia, this cartilage softens and becomes damaged. As the protective layer deteriorates, friction increases, causing inflammation, pain, and, over time, progressive degeneration of the joint.

Pain is usually felt at the front of the knee and may worsen when climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, or sitting for prolonged periods. Some patients also report a grinding or clicking sensation, sometimes accompanied by mild swelling. Left unmanaged, the condition can lead to early patellofemoral osteoarthritis, highlighting the importance of early assessment and intervention.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Chondromalacia patella often arises from mechanical stress on the knee joint. Muscle imbalances, particularly weakness in the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, can affect the tracking of the patella and increase pressure on the cartilage. Tight hip flexors, hamstrings, and the iliotibial band may also alter knee mechanics, further increasing stress. Overuse injuries from running, jumping, or repetitive activity can accelerate cartilage wear, while previous trauma or underlying biomechanical issues, such as flat feet, may predispose certain individuals to degeneration.

Conservative Management

Early intervention is key. At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, our first-line approach focuses on improving muscle balance, joint mechanics, and movement patterns. Rehabilitation programs typically include targeted strengthening of the quadriceps, hips, and core, alongside flexibility exercises for tight muscles that contribute to abnormal patellar loading. Correcting movement patterns and reducing stress on the knee through activity modification can significantly reduce symptoms and help preserve cartilage.

Footwear and orthotics may also be recommended where necessary to improve lower limb alignment and reduce patellofemoral stress. For many patients, combining rehabilitation with careful management of activity levels leads to significant improvements without the need for invasive procedures.

Hyaluronic Acid (gel) Injections: Lubricating and Protecting the Joint

When symptoms persist or there is evidence of ongoing cartilage stress, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, also known as viscosupplementation, are a valuable treatment option. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component of synovial fluid that provides lubrication and cushioning in the knee. In degenerative conditions, both the quantity and quality of HA diminish, leading to increased friction, inflammation, and pain. This is a very popular treatment we provide at our clinics with very good success rates in managing pain, symptoms and slowing the progression of degenerative changes that can often leave to early osteoarthritis.

Injecting hyaluronic acid restores joint lubrication, improves shock absorption, and reduces mechanical stress on the cartilage. Evidence from multiple studies demonstrates that HA injections can improve pain and function, particularly in mild-to-moderate patellofemoral cartilage degeneration. Beyond symptom relief, HA also supports cartilage health and may slow the progression of degenerative changes, potentially delaying the onset of osteoarthritis.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Stimulating Cartilage Repair

Another advanced option we often use is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP involves using a concentration of the patient’s own platelets, which release growth factors that help modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. In the context of chondromalacia, PRP may stimulate chondrocyte activity, support cartilage repair, and create a more favourable joint environment.

Research indicates that PRP can improve both pain and function in early degenerative cartilage conditions and may provide longer-term benefits compared to corticosteroid injections alone. By addressing inflammation and supporting cartilage regeneration, PRP can play a vital role in preserving knee health over time.

Combining Rehabilitation and Injection Therapies

The most effective approach often combines rehabilitation, load management, and advanced injection therapy. Hyaluronic acid injections improve lubrication and reduce friction, while PRP supports biological repair and cartilage protection. When combined with strengthening exercises and biomechanical correction, patients can achieve both immediate symptom relief and long-term protection of knee cartilage.

At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we tailor each treatment plan to the patient’s individual biomechanics, activity level, and stage of cartilage degeneration, ensuring a personalised approach that maximises outcomes.

When to Seek Specialist Assessment

Early assessment is crucial if you experience persistent anterior knee pain, difficulty with stairs or squatting, grinding or clicking sensations, or swelling. Early intervention not only reduces pain but also preserves cartilage, improves joint function, and slows degenerative changes, offering a better long-term prognosis and helping patients maintain an active lifestyle.

Specialist Care in Birmingham & Warwickshire

Our clinics in Birmingham and Warwickshire offer comprehensive care for patients with chondromalacia patella and other knee conditions. We provide ultrasound-guided injections, personalised rehabilitation programs, PRP and hyaluronic acid therapies, and biomechanical assessment to protect cartilage and restore function.

By focusing on long-term joint health, not just symptom relief, we help patients return to their activities safely while reducing the risk of further degeneration.

Contact Dynamic Regenerative Medicine today to arrange a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your knees, reducing pain, and preserving cartilage health.

Book a Consultation

If you are experiencing finger pain, clicking, or locking, early assessment can prevent progression and speed recovery.

Dynamic Regenerative Medicine

Clinics in Birmingham and Warwickshire

Specialists in musculoskeletal medicine, rehabilitation, and regenerative therapies.

Contact us today to arrange an assessment.

www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk

01564 330773