Is the pain under your knee cap when you climb the stairs really housewife's knee and not arthritis if you've had it for several years?

It all depends on age. I have had Chondromalacia patallae for about 3 years now and have had serious problems with it. I have spoken to my surgeon many times about it and he still believes that i am young enough that i will grow out of it. It is most likely Condromalacia and not Arthritis if you have been diagnosed, and if it does not go away then you should ask your doctor, as some people never grow out of chondromalacia. If it is bad enough then there is the surgery option, however doctors advise against it.