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Knee conditions

Chondromalacia patella treatment in Bangalore

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.

Your consultation

Assessing kneecap pain

  1. Activity history

    Sport, stairs, sitting and squatting, and when the pain started.

  2. Movement check

    How the kneecap tracks, and how your hips, knees and feet line up when you squat and step down.

  3. Imaging

    X-ray views of the kneecap and, where needed, MRI to see the cartilage.

  4. Plan

    A rehabilitation programme, with injection treatment added if the cartilage damage calls for it.

Patient videos

A patient with chondromalacia

Chondromalacia patella Knee

Patient stories

In our patients’ words

More patient stories
Stem cell and physiotherapy helped me recover from chondromalacia—now my knee feels strong and stable
Raja Reddy Patient story · Knee

Individual results vary. Patient testimonials describe personal experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome for any other patient.

FAQ

Chondromalacia questions

Ask us your question
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.

Our Bangalore clinic

RegenOrthoSport Bangalore

See a doctor in Indiranagar, Bangalore: address, timings, the doctors who see patients here and how to book.

Doctors at our Bangalore clinic

Areas we serve around Bangalore

  • Indiranagar
  • Domlur
  • HAL
  • Koramangala
  • Ulsoor
  • CV Raman Nagar
  • Old Airport Road
  • Marathahalli
  • Whitefield
  • HSR Layout
  • MG Road
  • Frazer Town

Bangalore clinic: common questions

Where is the RegenOrthoSport clinic in Bangalore?

RegenOrthoSport Bangalore is at No. 771, Hothur Grand, 100 Feet Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038. We see patients from Indiranagar, Domlur, HAL, Koramangala, Ulsoor, CV Raman Nagar and nearby.

What are the clinic hours in Bangalore?

Mon–Sat 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Call +91 87902 73785 or message us on WhatsApp +91 80089 26498 to book.

Which doctors see patients in Bangalore?

Dr. Venkatesh Movva (Founder); Dr. Vithal Kulkarni (Interventional Pain Physician).

When is Dr. Movva next in Bangalore?

Dr. Movva is next at the Bangalore clinic on 4, 5 and 6 December. Call to reserve a slot; his appointments fill early.

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 87902 73785 or message us on WhatsApp.

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