Patellar Tendinitis

[Jake]

Hey, I'm having some problems with Tendinitis in my right knee after I sort of twisted it when playing lacrosse. The doctor told me to ice it often, and take anti-inflammatories. It doesn't always hurt, it comes and goes. But when it's there it's very sore and prevents me from squatting sometimes. Is there some way I can heal it without going to physio? Also, I hate taking medication, what else can I do instead?

Thanks

[Heidi]

Hi

Getting some professional treatment with an injury such as patella tendinopathy is definately worthwhile as it can turn in to quite a long-term condition.

rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories are the best course of initial action. Have you have a period of complete rest?

Once it is not painful to do so, you should try stretching the quad muscles and also getting some massage to the quads and the tendon itself. Ultrasound treatment might also be useful.
Then strengthening exercises for the quads can be introduced very gradually. If at any point you feel pain you should go back to the last step.

find out more and look at specific exercises etc here:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/indexjumpersknee.html

[Jake]

Thanks a lot for the info Heidi!