Knee pain, is it Chondromalacia?

Question
Dear,

I am a marathoner who runs a half-marathon a month regularly as part of my training. Two months ago I ran a very hilly, muddy half with the wrong kind of shoe and it make my ankles sore for almost a week (I couldn't run during that time), afterward I restarted running with no problem only a slight discomfort on my right knee that would disappear as soon as I stopped running. Three weeks ago on a 6 miles run I started feeling popping and clicking of the knee and it was very uncomfortable, not painful, just weird. I have seen two doctors and both agree that my gluteus medius is extremely weak and my VMO very tight and not firing up properly (which I have tested and noticed before going to the doctors) and prescribed, decreasing mileage, icing and exercises for hip, quads and glutes. I have been doing this faithfully for two weeks. My progress is not consistent, one day I feel great, the next I can't even run a mile without feeling the tingly discomfort on my knee (the "pain" moves around, sometimes outside of the knee, sometimes in front to the knee). I have a half-marathon this weekend and the second doctor said to go ahead and do it and then take a whole week of running, but I am not sure if running that much (even though I know I can, but would feel the knee clicking the whole time) is detrimental for the knee at this point. Should I run the race and then take the time off or should I forgo the race and not run for a couple of weeks to see if the knee gets better. I am very confused as to what to do, please, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Hilda
I would not recommend you run the race.You have some serious problems going on and you should put your entire focus on correcting those issues.That doctors advice is absurd,but doesn't surprise me..Chondromalacia is quite common especially with runners.Had it myself years ago and took me 8 months to fix since i couldn't find a doctor that knew what my problem.There useless.The most common symptoms are discomfort in and around and under the knee cap walking up and down stairs.Based on your description you definitely have some tracking and alignment issues.That half you ran probably the culprit unless you already had it going in.The course of action which is best is up right stationary bike workouts as often as you can at medium tension increasing it as you become stronger at 65 to 85 rpm.If you have any questions just get in touch or call me here in albuquerque NM any time for additional clarity.

All the best

John