I have been having this annoying knee problem. Slightly below my knee cap. Finally went to the doctor after months and he says it's patellar tendonitis. I really feel the pain when I climb stairs, squats, jumping, and running. It's not sharp pain, just uncomfortable and it keeps me from pushing myself (sports, etc.) I've been using a knee strap when active, but I'm not sure how much it really helps. Anyways, I'm now trying to lose weight to take some stress off it because I am a pretty heavy guy (5' 9'', 220). Anyone on here with this condition? How did you get past it or deal with it??
Did the doctor only say "you have" this condition... but didn't recommend an action you should take or maybe a possible correction through surgery? Odd. Did you have an MRI? Maybe something else may be causing it. Ask him again on the phone what you can do. With all due respect, and I am no health nut... but it seems that if you were to lose some weight, you'd help some of that pain off... good thing you already knew that. Go to a "knee specialist", maybe?
i have a feeling that's what the sports doctor i'm seeing on tuesday is going to diagnose me with. i've always been active and still pushed myself. i'm sure it's made things worse. with a torn rotator cuff (i'm sure that's what it'll be) i haven't been doing much physical activity for 3 months. all the muscle's pretty much turned to fat.
Thanks for the replies. Had an MRI done (orthopedic) doctor said it was fine. When I saw him, he had me go do some physical therapy. Had it done for a couple weeks with no real improvement. Guess I'll just continue with my diet plan. Lost 10 lbs so I think I'm doin alright. @macalu, hope your appointment goes well. Let us know how it goes.
Knee straps are mostly a band aid. If anything, they can make the situation worse by putting pressure on an already overburdened tendon. I would advise against them, and instead altering the way you run or exercise to not strain your knee. Losing weight helps a ton, but I can't recommend cycling and swimming enough to help ease the pain.
