What is chondromalacia patella ?

Fibrillation of the : Underside of the kneecap. Basically osteoarthritis of the patella. Many causes.

Chondromalacia: Patella is literally softening of the cartilage overlying the back part of the patella/knee cap. This can include thinning, fissuring, tearing and irregularity of the cartilage.

NOT an answer!: Giving a problems a name is just the beginning of the long road to normal. Self care if vital and being proactive in your care is too. Janet g. Travell, md the matriarch of pain therapy noted in the 50-90's something interesting about joint pain. She stated that any joint area stiffness, aching and tension was due to muscles not the joint proper. See my other answers!

Chondromalacia: This truly is an arthroscopic term to define the softness of the cartilage of the kneecap. Some radiologists use this term, but it is a pathologic term related to the cartilage texture.

Very common prob: 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.