Retropatellar arthrosis is a wear and tear of the cartilage in the area of the patellar femoral joint caused by degenerative processes. This is composed of the back of the patella and the front of the lowest end of the thigh. The contact points of these two bone parts lie on each other through cartilage surfaces.
Physiotherapy and exercises
In the treatment of retropatellar arthrosis, physiotherapy can be used effectively in conservative therapy. This consists of several measures that can be prescribed. Massages can be used to relax the tense muscles of the retropatellar joint.
Thus the musculature is better supplied with blood again. Physiotherapy can be supported by bandages and taping. Another option is manual lymph drainage, which acts on the inflammation in the joint.
It promotes wound healing and stimulates the lymphatic system to remove more swelling from the joint. With the help of taping, the retropatellar joint gains stability. In any case, kinesiotapes can promote blood circulation and have a decongestive effect.
Although the effect of taping cannot be confirmed due to a lack of science, many athletes report a safe feeling at the joint by applying the tape. The application should be done by trained personnel. Manual therapy can also be used in physiotherapy.
This moves the joint and stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which is reduced in all types of osteoarthritis. The mechanical stimulus also has a pain-relieving effect and the blood circulation is stimulated. These physical measures are not only suitable for conservative therapy, but can also be performed before and after surgery.
In any case, the muscles should be strengthened by exercises to keep them in good condition. Pain and restricted movement can cause the muscle to atrophy, i.e. become smaller. Especially if the retropatellar arthrosis is caused by an instability of the patella, the muscle quadriceps femoris should be trained to give the joint stability.
Perform the exercises 15-20 times for 3-5 series. This will focus on the Quatriceps femoris muscle, which is responsible for the extension of the knee joint. This also centers the kneecap in the joint.
The muscle runs from the pelvis, along the front of the thigh, passes the kneecap via a ligament and attaches to the lower leg below the kneecap. This consists of four heads, which are always used together during the knee movement. For the exercises you only need a mat or lie down on your bed.
The strengthening exercises are performed in the supine position. Legs and arms are stretched out on the floor: 1) First stretch one leg upwards and walk as far as you can. The tips of your feet point upwards towards the ceiling.
Slowly go down again with your outstretched leg, but do not put it down, but stretch it up again. Repeat the exercise and change the leg. 2) For the next exercise turn your right leg to the right and stretch it upwards.
The tips of your feet point to the right and you walk again as far as you can. When you lower your leg, do not put it down but stretch it upwards again. Turning the leg to the right puts more strain on the inner head of the knee extender.
Nevertheless, the whole muscle is trained again. 3) Repeat the exercise and turn the right leg to the left in this case. This exercise is also performed with both legs.
4) A Thera band can be used to increase the intensity. This is attached just below the knee. Put both legs together and tie the Theraband around. The three exercises are again performed with the Theraband. Articles that might interest you:
- Physiotherapy for knee arthrosis
- Manual therapy
- Exercises for the knee joint
- Exercises against knee pain
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