Frustrated with my knee!

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irvinbl97
irvinbl97 Posts: 15 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am feeling bummed because I have been in a lot of pain with my right knee, so I haven't been able to do much exercise over the past couple of weeks. I went to the doctor last week, and he diagnosed it as patella tendonitis. He told me to just take it easy and to do my best to avoid anything involving steps and jumping. We are getting ready for a big yard sale next week, so I have been able to move lots of boxes, but haven't been able to get out and do any walking or use my elliptical. The pain is constant, and it hurts no matter what I do - even when I'm sitting with it up. Does anyone have any suggestions of simple exercises that I might be able to do, to still count it towards exercise? I've been doing really well, and don't want this problem to mess things up!!

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  • slh2501
    slh2501 Posts: 19 Member
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    I also am having right knee pain. I had 2 surgeries on it in high school, and it's bothering me again as i try to increase my exercise. In the past I've had success with swimming and the stationary bike. I don't have any great words of wisdom, but am looking forward to seeing what other suggestions are offered. Good luck, and don't get discouraged!
  • recoveryjunky
    recoveryjunky Posts: 162 Member
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    I'd like to know that too... I've never had a knee injury before but mine just started hurting. I've been playing Dance Central and walking. I would not suggest Dance Central.
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
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    Hey, I had patella tendonitis in both my knees. Very frustrating. I avoided pretty much all impact exercises for 3-4 months (not an easy thing for someone who loves playing sport). I managed to stay in pretty good shape though by cycling, boxing and lifting weights (all should be relatively pain free and don't do them if they aren't). Swimming is a great option also.

    The turning point for me after 3 months of physio that wasn't working was being referred to a sports specialist doctor. He prescribed nitro dur patches (glycerol trinitrate). They are commonly used for angina but basically work by dialating the blood vessels for increased blood flow. For physio all he had me doing was single leg squats with a fitball behind me or decline squats. Working up from 2 sets of 10 to about 6 sets of 10. This should involve a level of pain. Edit to add that with these squats you should focus on the downwards movement (eccentric loading) and use both legs (or the non-injured) to push up. This is pretty much the commonly accepted protocol for patella tendonitis and this doctor is the top sports guy in my city.

    Unfortunately he also told me that patella tendonitis is an incredibly persistent injury and some stupid percentage of people who continue exercising and playing sport have it recurring. Six months later and I'm back playing sport but I haven't gone back to doing long runs which is what caused mine to begin with

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