What is the treatment for chondromalacia patellae?

Medication P Therapy: And possible surgery if the other ones do not work.

Depends: It depends on your symptoms. Rest, physical therapy and nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs are good for pain. It also depends on the underlying cause of cartilage damage to the patella. Some causes may be treated surgically. Life style modifications may be needed to prevent further cartilage damage.

Patella femoral : Best managed with exercise to strengthen your quads to improve tracking, and avoiding deep knee bending activities. Also oral or topical nsaids can be of benefit, as well as a brace. Injection of cortisone or hyaluronic acid also very popular. If all else fails, then scope.

Therapy: Chondromalacia patella (runners knee) is due to overload of the patellofemoral joint (knee cap against the end of the thigh bone). Running causes high forces in this portion of the joint. So does arising from a chair, going up/down stairs. Treatment consists of activity modification, ice, anti-inflammatory meds and therapy aimed at flexibility and strengthening, especially of your core.