Question - Patellar Chondromalacia (exercise program review)

by Bobby
(Port Colborne, Ontario)

I have just been recently diagnosed with patellar chondromalacia. According to my sport doctor, my vastus medialis muscle does not fire properly (the timing is completely off) and my vastus lateralis muscle is compensating for it (and has been for a long time).

My doctor has recommended that I do these 6 hip and knee strengthening exercises and cardio workout.

1. Quad Strength single leg step up
2. Quad set in slight flexion
3. Squatting (placing a ball in between legs and squeezing)
4. Side lying hip adduction
5. Terminal knee extension (laying down on back and straightening knee by tightening muscle of top of thigh and turning toes outward)
6. Leg raises ( lying on stomach and simultaneously raising locked leg and opposite arm 6 inches from floor).
CARDIO: SPIN at a 80 rpm 4 times a week as well as SWIMMING 1-2 times a week.

I have read your interesting article on patellar femoral syndrome and although you have not mentioned hip strengthening exercises to control your femur, I was curious to know whether the above exercises are what you also had in mind.

In addition, would high heeled wedge shoes (3.5 to 4 inches high) place havoc on your knees?

Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you!

Bobby