If you have been diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella and referred for Physiotherapy but the waiting list is a year long and the pain is becoming excruciating what should you do?

Chondromalacia Patella also known as runners knee...

Firstly, Chondromalacia Patella is where the patella (knee cap) is rubbing against the trochlea grove of the femor and is becoming irritated and inflammed. It differs from Osteoarthritis as the damage to the cartillage is repairable...

Treatment options..

Rest! you need to rest from aggrevating activities.

Work on strengthening your quadriceps mostly (non weight bearing exercises, leg extensions etc).

some strength work also on your hamstring (non weight bearing exercises, leg curls etc).

Also stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings may help..

Swimming will help you keep fit whilst resting as it removes the load from the patello femoral joint, which is causing the pain.

I'm not a doctor (covering myself here) but i hear that Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatories reduce inflammation (for short term relief).... ibuprofen. They may help you strengthen your muscles if leg exercises give you pain.