Ep 190 – Chondromalacia patella

GPnotebook Podcast · Jan 22, 2026 · 14m

Chondromalacia patella (CMP), sometimes called “runner’s knee”, is a degenerative condition involving softening and breakdown of the patellar articular cartilage, most often due to abnormal patellofemoral mechanics, muscular imbalance or repetitive micro-trauma. It commonly presents with anterior knee pain worsened by stair descent, squatting, running or prolonged sitting. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation supported by imaging (especially magnetic resonance imaging) to assess cartilage integrity and patellar alignment. Most patients improve with long-term conservative therapy focused on…