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Chondromalacia patella is a softening and deterioration of the cartilage on the back side of the kneecap. Pain, swelling, and a grinding sensation often accompany this pathology. (This answer provided for NATA by the Weber State University Athletic Training Education Program.)
Dull knee pain that comes on gradually often stems from long-term deterioration of the knee’s cartilage. This deterioration is called chondromalacia.
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