Diagnosed with chondromalacia. my knees pop when i bend them, so i am afraid to exercise. if they pop does that mean i need surgery? i have pt nextweek

No surgery: Popping ang grinding sensations are common and surgery may not be effective. Best to focus on therapy targeting hamstring flexibility, core strength and balance, and quad strength in a non painful range.

Anterior knee pain: Knee "noise" does not correlate with knee pathology. Chondromalacia means cartilage softening and is thus a surgical diagnosis not a clinical diagnosis. Obtain a current diagnosis of your anterior knee pain to plan treatment