Chondromalacia Patellae – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

Chondromalacia patellae is irritation or softening of the cartilage under the kneecap.
It causes pain at the front of the knee, especially with stairs, squats, or sitting for long periods.
It’s common in young athletes, runners, and people with patella tracking issues.
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we use clinical testing, diagnostic ultrasound, and personalised rehab to relieve pain and restore function.

What is Chondromalacia Patellae?

The kneecap (patella) sits in a groove on the thigh bone (femur). When the cartilage underneath becomes softened or irritated, it causes pain.

This is often due to poor kneecap tracking, overuse, or muscle imbalance.
Chondromalacia is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain.

Symptoms

Pain at the front of the knee, especially under or around the kneecap
Pain climbing stairs, squatting, or kneeling
Discomfort after sitting for long periods (“movie-goer’s knee”)
Grinding or clicking sensation when bending the knee
Mild swelling in some cases

Causes & Risk Factors

Overuse (running, squatting, repetitive kneeling)
Patella tracking problems (misalignment in movement)
Weak quadriceps or gluteal muscles
Tight hamstrings or IT band
Flat feet or altered biomechanics
Previous knee injuries or trauma

Diagnosis at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Osteopathic assessment – posture, gait, and muscle balance testing
Diagnostic ultrasound – to rule out patellar tendinopathy, bursitis, or fat pad irritation (cartilage softening itself is best seen with MRI, but ultrasound helps exclude other causes of anterior knee pain)
Referral – for MRI if persistent or severe cartilage irritation suspected

Self-Help for Chondromalacia Patellae

Reduce aggravating activities (deep squats, high mileage) temporarily
Ice after exercise to reduce irritation
Strengthen quadriceps and glute muscles
Stretch hamstrings and IT band
Wear supportive shoes or consider orthotics if flat feet contribute
Use taping or bracing to improve patella tracking

Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment – soft tissue release, patella mobilisation
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – quad/glute strengthening, patella tracking correction
✅ Sports massage – release of tight quads, IT band, and hamstrings
✅ Diagnostic ultrasound – to rule out alternative causes
✅ Shockwave therapy – in chronic, stubborn anterior knee pain
✅ Running/gym technique advice – to reduce overload

Prevention

Build training volume gradually
Maintain balanced quad and glute strength
Stretch regularly after activity
Avoid excessive deep squats if knee pain is present
Ensure correct footwear and good exercise technique

FAQs – Chondromalacia Patellae

Q: Is chondromalacia the same as runner’s knee?
They overlap — both involve pain at the front of the knee, but chondromalacia specifically refers to cartilage irritation under the kneecap.

Q: Will it go away on its own?
Mild cases often improve with rehab and load management, but untreated cases may persist.

Q: Can ultrasound confirm it?
Ultrasound helps exclude other anterior knee causes. MRI is best for directly assessing cartilage changes.

Q: Do I need surgery?
Rarely. Most cases respond well to conservative treatment.

Book Your Appointment

Don’t let kneecap pain limit your training or daily life. Book your chondromalacia patellae assessment in Bromley today for a clear diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available

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