Chondromalacia Patella What is chondromalacia patella? Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, Chondromalacia Patella is caused by weakening, softening, and inflammation in the cartilage underneath the kneecap. When the patella is injured, it affects the entire leg, since it is based within the quadriceps muscles which are used for all major leg movements. Since the cartilage in the patella is meant to absorb shock, an injury to the area creates a greal deal of pain and difficulty moving. Typically, pain is heightened when walking uphill, downhill, squatting or bending the knee in any shape or form for a long time. What are the symptoms of chondromalacia patella? Most often, this injury is associated with pain in the affected knee, stiffness, swelling, discomfort when walking for extended periods of time, pain when jumping, a loss of thigh muscles and general weakness in the impacted leg. How do we treat chondromalacia patella? In order to alleviate these unpleasant symptoms, we work with you to determine the extent to which your injury is impacting your range of motion and daily mobility, and work with you to increase strength and flexibility in the quadricep muscles and hip flexors so that you can move about without feeling like your leg is about to give way or stiffen up.