I've chondromalacia patella and have been strengthening my vmos to resolve my patellofemoral pain syndrome. how long before the chondromalacia is gone?

Difficult to say: Your pain may improve w/ time, exercises , wt loss etc. But it's difficult to say if your pain or your chrondromalacia will go away completely.The natural course of"kneecap pain" is difficult to predict . It depends on your anatomy and how severe your chondromalacia is .'grade 3' or worse is unlikely to resolve. An MRI can help determine how 'worn' your patellar cartilage is. See your ors. Gl!

Months: Can take several months. Need to add a core strengthening program and stretching too. If its not responding by then, go see your orthopedist (again?).