Anyone out there have experience having and/or recovering from patellar tendonitis? I just got diagnosed on the weekend and it is the first time I have ever had anyone suggest it was a problem for me. The recommended treatment was anti-inflammatories/rest/ice with likely recovering within a week. Just wanted to see if there were any other STers out there who had experienced this and what their recovery and treatments looked like. Saw some comments on a Hoka thread which were marginally encouraging but nothing broader.
The recovery treatment you described sounds familiar. Whenever my knee would flare up, I’d take a week or so off and it would feel better (as long as I didn’t run).
IMO, diagnosing the root cause is much more important than a recovery regime. If you have access to a physical therapist, I suggest having an evaluation performed and dutifully follow the strength exercises the therapist gives you. I have a short set of exercises that I do now before every run. When I don’t do them, my knee hurts. Simple as that.
I have had it a few times over the years. In fact, I have a mild case right now. My PT has recommended a few exercises, as well as quad stretching. She used used a TENS unit also, which seemed to work. The bottom line is go to a PT if you can.
Where does the TENS unit typically get used - below the kneecap? I am seeing a trend on the PT recommendation. I’m going to look into that. Thanks for the reply (and to the poster above).
My tendonitis as always been in the upper outside quadrant of the kneecap so my pt has placed the unit on my lower quad muscle. The PT should be able to train you on the use of the TENS. I have found the exercises and stretching to be the most helpful
Going through the process right now with a Physical Therapist. Best thing I could have ever done (seeing an PT to help with PT) instead just sucking it up. The stretching and exercises are not exciting but the pain free gains are coming. I am happy with my progress and it is early.
I had it on and off for a few months in 2012 with the pain on the lower side of the patella. The PT had me doing lots of hamstring, ITB stretches and stability exercises. They thought the muscle tightness was causing the patella to move in a abnormal manner creating inflammation. I was okay spinning on the bike and walking but I was out for 2-3 months for anything more intense. Looking back I suspect the cause was a poor bike fit. Since getting the bike fit I’ve never had any similar issues
I am not a medical professional so take this for what its worth. I have battled and seen friends battle PFS many times over the years and seen it as meek as a mouse and destructive as a devil. my advice is sitting still and icing/resting often only subdues the root issue and does little to fix the problem. we as linear (always going forward) athletes need more lateral (side movement strength) and PFS can be rooted in poor glute, hip and IT band flexibility and strength. Based on my experience and frustration with it over the years I have learned I need yoga, squats, leg abductions and adductions as well as a strength program that works the entire leg on all sides from the pelvic girdle down. when is was bad I also had to quit running and cycling 100% (all this was learned with the help of an accomplished and knowledgeable PT) I now confidently say I have PFS under control and am a stronger more well balanced strength athlete.
Bike fit and running gate / style and footwear are an additional world of concern and if your position and general running style haven’t changed over the years but you have gotten older and trained /raced more in continual “linear” fashion…you might just need to find new strength and flexibility to continue to “tri” as you age and evolve as an athlete. Many people rush to change their bike fit and other outside influences while the root problem is in strength and flexibility (working values of your body!)