chondromalacia is an old term, from when they thought it was from bad cartilage. it sounds really dramatic, but patellofemoral syndrome is much more descriptive of the generic condition it is. really, it's just from irritation (or the kind of injury you would remember). typically, the kneecap tracks improperly due to a. quadriceps imbalance or b. iliotibial band tightness. specific leg extensions can resolve the muscle imbalance, and stretching can help with tightness. of course, none of us are perfectly symmetrical or prototypical, so a good, personalized fit is really important. for example, i've heard a lot of people say they like to be significantly behind KOPS. I can't do it. it feels like my kneecap is going to pop off. i basically have to be at or ahead of KOPS. everyone is different.