Non-surgical treatment of chondromalacia patellae is mainly based on medication, manual massage, physiotherapy and muscle exercises. Surgery is required when standard non-surgical treatment does not work or when symptoms get progressively worse.
When patients develop symptoms of chondromalacia patella, they should first limit strenuous knee activities for 1 to 2 weeks to avoid further damage to the cartilage; when swelling and pain suddenly increase, cold compresses can be applied to reduce joint swelling and then hot compresses after 48 hours to improve circulation; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be taken to relieve pain when it is painful.