Symptoms

Symptoms of chondromalacia patellae include pain along the inside edge of your patella or vague pain that is difficult to pinpoint. The pain may worsen when going up or downstairs or walking uphill. Additionally, the pain may be more severe when straightening your leg or activities that place weight on your knee. When you're very active, the knee may swell and become stiff.

A dislocated patella may make a popping noise or feeling when the injury occurs. The knee may buckle or "give out" when you walk. You may experience tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the joint.