Chondromalacia Patella / Patellar Pain Syndrome
Patients often complain of generalized pain surrounding their kneecap which is aggravated by prolonged sitting with knees bent, as on a plane or during a movie. Stairs or squatting are usually very painful also. This is due to a roughening of the cartilage on the underside of the patella. Patients usually respond well to physical therapy which focuses on specific exercises to limit stresses throughout the patella.