I'm still dealing with a bout of "Patellofemoral Syndrome" that had me good and worried. The pain lasted about 3 weeks, mostly going down stairs or walking uneven ground. The ortho doc took pics and to my surprise said they looked fine
and that I should ride but cut my mileage in half? So I went from 20 miles 3 times a week to 15 3 x a week. ( I'm not so good at math ). Anyway, it still hurts a bit but can ride. Good luck to you, I have read a bit and it seems that surgery pts can many times resume riding, in case you have to go that route.