WHAT IS PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME (Chondromalacia)?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain behind the kneecap. It has many given names, including patellofemoral disorder, patellar malalignment, runner's knee, and chondromalacia.
HOW DOES IT OCCUR?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome can occur from overuse of the knee in sports and activities such as running, walking, jumping, or bicycling. The kneecap (patella) is attached to the large group of muscles in the thigh called the quadriceps. It is also attached to the shin bone by the patellar tendon. The kneecap fits into grooves in the end of the thigh bone (femur) called the femoral condyle. With repeated bending and straightening of the knee, you can irritate the inside surface of the kneecap and cause pain. Patellofemoral pain syndrome also may result from the way your hips, legs, knees, or feet are aligned. This alignment problem can be caused by your having wide hips or underdeveloped thigh muscles, being knock-kneed, or having feet with arches that collapse when walking or running (a condition called over-pronation).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The main symptom is pain behind the kneecap. You may have pain when you walk, run, or sit for a long time. The pain is generally worse when walking downhill or down stairs. Your knee may swell at times, and you may hear or feel snapping, popping, or grinding in the knee.

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