Patellar Tendonitis and Elliptical

ksmorck

Hi there! I'm fairly new here and looking to improve myself after having a baby 6 months ago. My husband bought me an elliptical machine last night and I'm so excited to pick it up and get using it. Problem...after using it only VERY briefly in the store last night I really feel my knee today. Two years ago I had my first flare up of patellar tendonitis and ended up on crutches, resting it for about 3 months. Since I've gone back to walking and riding horses with no problems.
So my fear and the question is, are we wasting our money buying this machine? Anyone with patellar tendonitis use an elliptical in their exercise routine and have any advice for making it work?
Thanks!

mlb929

I'm in PT right now for treatment of this. Mine is brought on by my gait and lack of hip muscles. I have strong hip muscles, just genetically not disposed to hip stability or glutes, so I've had to work on these. I've also had to change up some of my fitness routines. She did tell me if you don't treat patellar tendonitis soon enough (which I did) you can actually damage the tendon itself and make healing a lifelong issue. I'd talk to your dr about getting into PT and working on the possible issues that caused the problems.

ksmorck

I was treated by a doctor when I had the flare up 2 years ago and I plan to call him before we commit to buying this machine. Just wanting to hear some experiences and advise either way. I'd like to think I can slowly start out and build up a tolerance for it. Otherwise I guess I'm stuck walking for exercise and in VA the weather isn't always conducive to that especially with a little one to take out in it with me.

ksmorck

I should also say I have had NO problems with it for over a year, even through my pregnancy. Then just a few minutes on the machine, it doesn't hurt but I 'feel' it.