Early symptoms of patellar softening

There are usually no specific symptoms or signs in the early stages of patellar malacia. Most patients with patellar malacia present with mild dull pain in the front of the knee joint, especially after sitting in one position for a long time. This is called cinema syndrome or theater syndrome. The friction sound between the patellar joints is also different. The patient can describe a feeling of interlocking and soft legs, which is more obvious when going downstairs and soft. In combination with synovitis, there is also swelling and fullness of the joints. Since articular cartilage has no nerve endings, pain is not a direct source. As chondromalacia patellae begins to soften, cartilage debris entering the joint can cause chemical irritation to the synovium, resulting in swelling and pain.