Do you need crutches for chondromalacia patella?

Not usually: Only if pain is so severe you can't walk. Need to ice, take nsaids and have physical therapy.

Usually not: If the pain is extreme and the patient has trouble bearing weight, i will usually have my patient try a knee immobilizer on my my office and take it for a test drive. Usually by keeping the knee immobilized in full extension (straight), the patient can bear weight and get around. I tell my patient to wean the immobilizer as comfort allows. Ice/anti-inflammatory meds help, then therapy.