I have had swelling just under knee cap for 10 months after hard runs. I have not been to doctor but one of my friends who is an avid runner says that it is tendonitis. (he recommeded rest then ice after runs) It doesn’t really hurt when I run only afterwards, but after 3 weeks off it still flares up. I really don’t have months to take off in hopes of it going away, so what should I do besides icing after a run? I’m really not crazy about the idea of living on Advil. Thanks for any advice.
“I have not been to doctor”
- WHY NOT??? PLEASE… go see a qualified professional who specializes in neuro-musculo-skeletal injuries such as a PT, DC, ATC or an MD/Ortho who will then refer you to a conservative treatment specialist such as the former.
“…in hopes of it going away”
- the inflammation may magically “go away” but as soon as you begin running again what makes you believe it will not return? IF (and that is a big “IF”) you perhaps ramped up your training too much, too fast, too soon, “rest” MAY help but what if your mechanics are at fault (most probable) or what if you have a muscular imbalance that has nothing to do with the knee (very probable) at all? As soon as you head out the door once more to run, the same thing may return. lather, rinse repeat! A vicious cycle that needs to be broken with a proactive approach to treatment. This does not mean relying on passive treatment modalities either… this means getting right down to the cause of the injury and not putting a band aid on it. I wish you the best during your re-hab/pre-hab
Go to a doctor.
Hey Kakky, don’t give up hope. You can definitely get over it. I’ve fought my way through several cases of tendonitis, including patellar (knee), IT band, and, most recently, achilles. It takes time though.
My advice: go see a good sports medicine doctor. He/she may prescribe a course of steroids and anti-inflamatory meds in addition to ice. You might also get a referral to a physical therapist (PT).
I live in a university town and have had great luck with PTs. They have analyzed my gait, strength and flexibility to pinpoint the problems. Stretches and exercises were assigned and, in the case of the patellar tendonits, a simple knee strap was prescribed. Very helpful. More helpful than the doctor, actually. They helped me find my subtle form flaws and fix them.
Good luck.
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I have had swelling just under knee cap for 10 months after hard runs. I have not been to doctor but one of my friends who is an avid runner says that it is tendonitis. (he recommeded rest then ice after runs) It doesn’t really hurt when I run only afterwards, but after 3 weeks off it still flares up. I really don’t have months to take off in hopes of it going away, so what should I do besides icing after a run? I’m really not crazy about the idea of living on Advil. Thanks for any advice.
First question, why haven’t you been to the Dr? When I had knee pain after IMKY this year, I was sitting in a Dr office 3-4 days later, and an MRI scheduled not too long after. You may need to take some time off. I had to take 3 months off then start back again at 5min runs or my knee would flare up. But be smart about it, dont run, and go see a Dr. Oh and take Advil.
I had that exact condition for a couple of years in high school. I just considered it normal. It hasn’t been an issue since though.
and to all the people screaming to see your Dr…well I have been through that 2 dozen times and it always goes like this:
- Hmmmmm. Here’s naproxin, take 2 weeks off
- Hmmmm. Let’s take an Xray…Xray is clear just take more time off
- Hmmmm. Go see a Physical Therapist
- Let’s ice/heat/stretch/strengthen (which I’ve been doing all along)
- Tough it out and eventually it goes away
And this process takes 3 months.
Read this:
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/patelladisorders/a/patellartendon.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/patellar-tendinitis/DS00625
And before the Dr. crowd chews me out, this comes right from the Mayo website:
When to seek medical advice
If you experience knee pain, try self-care measures first. If pain continues, worsens or interferes with your ability to perform routine daily activities, call your doctor.
O.K. I know this will surprise you all big time, why have I not been to a doctor? A.) I am a procrastinator B.) I have been “getting by” with the “home remedies” C.) The 1K deductible on my health insurance D.) I am afraid of what he/she might say. and finally E.) My biggest race ever is in June and I don’t want to miss it!
Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I realize those are all lame reasons so I guess I’ll look for that doctor.
I did try one of those knee straps yesterday and it did seem to help, but I suppose the real question is what is the root cause. Thanks for the help.
Excellent articles Thanks!
I know it’s a Texas group, but these guys cleared up my knees:
I was diagnosed with Patellar Tendonitis and put on a physical therapy plan that was time consuming and showed little results. I went and saw Dr. Scott Kelly in Sugarland, TX and was up and about that day! These guys are like miracle workers! If you are in (or going to be in Texas), give them a try.
Spiderwj
Agreed. That’s one of the reasons I only go to the doctor if I feel it’s absolutely necessary. If I think I can find the solution on my own first, I have no need to go to the doc.
And you left off the part where, after giving you a bottle of pills and telling you to take time off, the doc charges you up the @$$ for his “consultation”.