Chondromalacia Patellae

Patellofemoral chondromalacia consists of the softening and wearing down of the cartilage that lines the back surface of the kneecap. This causes pain at the front of the knee, especially when bending it or bearing weight on it.

When should you seek care? A review is advisable when there is pain going up or down stairs, when sitting for a long time, or when squatting, especially if you feel rubbing or clicking.

Contributing factors: sports overuse, poor alignment of the kneecap, thigh muscle weakness, and previous knee injuries.

Which specialist treats it? The orthopedist and the orthopedic trauma surgeon are the ones who study this knee condition, often with support from rehabilitation. If the pain persists or limits your mobility, it is advisable to have an orthopedist perform a targeted evaluation.