Knee conditions
Chondromalacia patella treatment
Pain behind or around the kneecap, worse on stairs, squats and long sitting, treated with targeted rehabilitation and, when needed, image-guided injections.
Understanding the condition
Softened cartilage under the kneecap
Chondromalacia patella means softening and wear of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. The kneecap glides in a groove at the front of the thigh bone every time the knee bends and straightens. If it tracks slightly off-centre, or the load through it is too high, the cartilage behind it can soften, fray and become painful.
It is common in teenagers and young adults, in runners and people who do a lot of squatting, stair climbing or jumping, and in people with weak thigh and hip muscles or flat feet. It is closely related to patellofemoral pain syndrome, a broader term for pain at the front of the knee, and the two often overlap.
Symptoms
Typical kneecap symptoms
- A dull ache behind or around the kneecap
- Pain going down stairs or slopes
- Pain after sitting for a long time with the knees bent, at the cinema or on a flight
- Pain when squatting, kneeling or getting up from the floor
- Grinding or crackling under the kneecap
- Mild swelling after activity
Crackling without pain is common and not usually a concern. Pain that limits stairs or sport is worth assessing.
Usual treatment
How kneecap pain is usually treated
Rehabilitation is the foundation: strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles, improving flexibility, taping or bracing the kneecap, and adjusting training volume and footwear. Most patients improve with a consistent programme over several months.
Surgery, such as smoothing the cartilage or realigning the kneecap, is reserved for a small group with clear structural problems or repeated dislocations. When pain persists despite good rehabilitation and the cartilage is visibly damaged on MRI, image-guided injections may be added to the plan.
At RegenOrthoSport
When rehabilitation is not enough
For persistent pain with cartilage damage under the kneecap, injection treatment is combined with physiotherapy, never used in place of it.
First line
Targeted physiotherapy
Quadriceps and hip strengthening, kneecap taping, and changes to how you train and climb stairs.
PhysiotherapyPersistent pain
Ultrasound-guided PRP
Hyper-concentrated platelets (HCP) may be injected into the knee joint to reduce pain and inflammation from the damaged kneecap cartilage.
About PRPMore cartilage damage
Bone marrow concentrate
Considered when MRI shows deeper cartilage wear behind the kneecap.
About BMACYour consultation
Assessing kneecap pain
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Activity history
Sport, stairs, sitting and squatting, and when the pain started.
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Movement check
How the kneecap tracks, and how your hips, knees and feet line up when you squat and step down.
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Imaging
X-ray views of the kneecap and, where needed, MRI to see the cartilage.
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Plan
A rehabilitation programme, with injection treatment added if the cartilage damage calls for it.
Patient videos
A patient with chondromalacia
Patient stories
In our patients’ words
Stem cell and physiotherapy helped me recover from chondromalacia—now my knee feels strong and stable
Individual results vary. Patient testimonials describe personal experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome for any other patient.
Related
More knee conditions
- Knee pain overview All knee pain conditions and treatment options.
- Knee osteoarthritis Worn cartilage, stiffness and the ache that builds over years.
- Alternatives to knee replacement What to explore before a total or partial knee replacement.
- Meniscus tear Twisting injuries and wear tears of the knee’s shock absorber.
- ACL tear Partial and complete ACL injuries, and when surgery is needed.
- Knee ligament injuries MCL, LCL and PCL sprains and tears.
- Cartilage damage Focal cartilage defects after injury or long-term wear.
- PRP therapy How hyper-concentrated platelets (HCP) are prepared and used.
- Stem cell therapy (BMAC) Bone marrow concentrate from your own body.
Near you
Knee pain treatment in your city
Doctors, address and directions for each of our clinics.
Is chondromalacia patella permanent?
Many people improve a great deal with rehabilitation. Cartilage changes on MRI may remain, but pain and function often get much better.
Should I stop climbing stairs?
You may need to reduce stairs and deep squats for a while, but avoiding them completely weakens the muscles that protect the kneecap. Your physiotherapist will guide you.
Is it the same as runner’s knee?
Runner’s knee is a common name for pain at the front of the knee. Chondromalacia is one cause of it, where the cartilage itself is affected.
Consultation request
Get your kneecap pain assessed
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will call you to book a consultation at the clinic nearest to you in Hyderabad, Mumbai or Bangalore.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call +91 96769 48899 or message us on WhatsApp.
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