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-   -   Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Chondromalacia), a done deal? (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11039)

Geenie 07-07-2012 04:38

PFPS / Chondromalacia Patellae
 
Dear members of the board, I would like to ask for your guidance on the following matter:

Historically I have always had relatively "weak knees". In the past, when I played high-impact sports for too long, or ignored the "three too's" of running, my knees would swell up a bit underneath the patella and I would be in pain.

Now that I have my eyes set on joining the service and giving SFAS a shot, I am dedicated to building up my legs and stabilizing my knees. I understand they will take a beating if I sign up and make it.
I have recently been diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patellae / Patellofrontal Pain Syndrome by an orthopedic doctor. I can confirm that, at the moment, there is some crepitus in my knees. I have no way of comparing it, so I can't say whether it's severe or not.

I checked AR 40-501, and Chondromalacia is listed as a disqualifying condition. After reviewing relevant information, however, my impression is that it is only disqualifying if it is a chronic issue, affecting one's ability to perform permanently.
Thus far I never felt like I had *chronic* knee troubles. My notion was simply that my legs were weak and every time I overdid the training I would have trouble.

I've searched this board and others for people who had similar issues and worked through it prior to trying out for SOF. Unfortunately I was not able to find much information. Most posts were made by people who were on the tail-end of their career, or not interested in military service.
I would therefore like to resurrect this thread to ask the members of this board what their experience is with this condition. Can it be rectified to a point where it is a non-issue? Have you known people who suffered from this condition but were able to overcome it through training or other measures?

I hope to be in a position where I can do a more significant amount of running, and begin rucking, in about 6 months. So far my action plan involves:

- Get an MRI to determine the degree of damage and overall condition of my knees and cartilage. Adjust my training plan and expectations to the results.

- Start taking 1500 mg of Glucosamine and 1200 mg of Chondroitin daily for the next 6 weeks. I will then check for results and perhaps continue taking Glucosamine (after consulting with an MD).

- Continue slowly(!) building up the muscles in my legs, especially the quads and hams.

- I will avoid running and doing squats in the near future, instead focusing on isometric exercises and things like cycling and swimming.

- If necessary, explore other options, such as prolotherapy.


I would be grateful for any advice or opinions. The doctors have not been very helpful and it is important for me to realistic idea of what I am dealing with.

Thank you.

Patriot007 07-07-2012 08:57

Eagle lateral release ? If not what type of surgery?

Had major issues with patellofemoral for years when at higher mileage that is now slowly resolving. Like any other overuse or non-acute ortho injury the recovery is proportional to time you've had the problem.

I have had success with going to a more minimalist shoe (low heal to toe drop) for not only running but everyday use and focusing on proper running form, i.e not heel strike. Additionally, it seems like most of the research out there points to weak hip abductors (weak glutes), tight hip flexors, and possibly over-stretched hamstrings as the cause. Get evaluated by a good sports med doc concerned with more than cutting and/or a physical therapist who knows what they're talking about as they can help you find your deficits. Typically deficits are not in isolation as one starts a chain of events that you have to reverse, and it may take time. Stick with it.

Eagle5US 07-07-2012 18:07

I had a lateral release, "Plica-ectomy" and chondrectomy (shaving/smoothing of both the underside of the patella and the distal condyles of the femur)

Still hurts - just not nearly as bad.

Geenie 07-08-2012 02:29

If I may ask,
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle5US (Post 457455)
I had a lateral release, "Plica-ectomy" and chondrectomy (shaving/smoothing of both the underside of the patella and the distal condyles of the femur)

Still hurts - just not nearly as bad.

Did you have the surgery before or after you joined the service?

Eagle5US 07-08-2012 05:19

Feb of this year - 28 yrs of active duty...


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