Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy),
Thank you for your inquiry. Here is a suggestion as to how you may be able to obtain medical care. Go to http://www.hrsa.gov./hillburton Review the information on this website and see how to obtain medical care, how to apply for medical care etc., the details are nicely outlined on the site. There are several outpatient medical facilities and hospitals listed for the state of FL.
Chondromalacia patella has 3 distinct stages to it and the stages are based on the amount of degeneration/deterioration of the integrity of the cartilage of the patella. Reputable orthopaedic medical journal literature outlines these stages nicely. The only definitive way to confirm/refute the diagnosis/stages of chondromalacia patella is to undergo arthroscopic surgery.
WIth chondromalacia patella, it is often extremely difficult for the person with this ailment to ascend/descend stairs. Often, swelling is apparent in addition to pain. Over time, the patient often complains of pain more than just with ascending/descending stairs. Some patients report pain while at rest.
You mention that you have been taking Aleve for an antiinflammatory. You may wish to discontinue Aleve and try Ibuprophen(Motrin) for a while and see if this helps you better. Antiinflammatory medications seem to have an individualized response in that some patients do better with one antiinflammatory drug than with others. Be sure to take either of these mediations with a milky substance beverage or with meals or a snack and take exactly as prescribed on the bottle directions.
You mention that you have been trying R.I.C.E. which hasn't been particularly successful for you. When you are eleveating your legs, are you elevating your legs to where they are up higher than your heart level? This is the best height to help with any swelling.
Also, if you swim, swimming is one of the best exercises for people with knee pain. Even if you don't swim if you can be in the pool and gently exercise your legs so that you are able to help keep the connective tissues to the knee joint as strong as possible, this is recommended my the majority of orthopaedists assuming you have no injuries with the knee cartilage such as a torn menisus for example.
In event you have any excess pounds, it is highly suggested that you rid any excess weight. Here is why: The knee joint is a 2:1 joint when it comes to the weight bearing load of the knee. For example for every 10 pounds a person weighs, this is equal to 20 pounds of stress on the knee. So, if a person is 40 pounds overweight, this is perceived by the knee joint as being 80 EXTRA pounds on the knee. So, trying to keep weight in check and being of ideal body weight is of great benefit to someone with painful knees or patellas with chondromalacia.
In event you do not "qualify" for medical assistance under the Hill Burton facilities funding, you mgiht try calling the helath department in your particular county of residence and explaining your situation and seeing what advice/suggestions they can offer to you to help you seek care.
Also, if you reside near a teaching medical institution, you could contact the social services dept. of the institution there and/or the dept. of orthopaedics and talk to someone in the business office of the ortho. dept. and explain your situation and see if there can be a discounted pan for you to see medical care. There are often instances with teaching institutions whereby there are sliding scale payment plans--your fees are based on your income. Again, the social worker at the teaching institution or withiin the Dept. of Orthopaedic surgery would be able to help advise further.
If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know. I wish you the best of luck.
Edited by gotquest on May 25 2006 at 1:21 AM
SUSIE S.
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