What are the treatments for chondromalacia patella?

Many treatments: Chondromalacia ("cartilage pain") is a very common cause of knee pain. Treatments (from conservative to aggressive) include: rest, ice, elastic knee brace, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, injections, and surgery.

Nonoperative usually: Most chondromalacia of the patella (injured cartilage) is effectively managed with nonoperative measures consisting of activity modification, rest, physical therapy and quadriceps strengthening, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, intrarticular steroid injections and viscosupplementation. At least 6 months of nonoperative treatment is attempted before offering arthroscopic surgery.

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.

Several: Commonly, stretching quads, building quads, avoiding deep knee bending exercises and stairs. Some patella braces and taping can help in some situations, injections with hyaluronic acid liquids, sometimes arthroscopy, sometimes cartilage paste grafts, sometimes patella realignment surgeries. You need a good exam and knee doctor to tell you what you need.