How is chondromalacia patellae treated?

Chondromalacia patellae refers to irritation or softening of cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. Pain is often felt at the front of the knee and may be triggered by stairs, squatting, running, or sitting with the knee bent. Clicking or grinding can occur, but these sounds alone do not establish the diagnosis. A clinician considers your history, movement, strength, and other possible causes of knee pain.

Reduce or modify activities that repeatedly provoke pain, then return to them gradually as control improves. Ice after activity may feel soothing for some people, and suitable pain relief can be discussed with a clinician or pharmacist. Physiotherapy often targets the quadriceps, hip, and core muscles, while also working on leg alignment and movement habits. Exercise therapy should progress from comfortable control to functional tasks such as steps, squats, or sport-specific movement. Supportive footwear or temporary taping may be considered when an assessment shows they could help.

Arrange an assessment if pain keeps returning, limits walking or sleep, or does not settle with sensible activity changes. Seek urgent care for a hot, very swollen knee with fever, an obvious deformity, inability to bear weight after injury, or a knee that locks and cannot straighten. Sudden swelling after a twist may indicate a different injury and needs examination.

Which activities are safe while my knee settles? Which hip and thigh muscles need strengthening? How should I progress exercise therapy? Could another knee condition explain my symptoms?