Knees Knees Knees - Patellar Tendonitis

I have recently, and unfortunately, had some issues with my knees, which has been terrible.  When your knees are out of commission, it is ROUGH!  Especially when you are in the process of moving into a new apartment with no elevator, requiring you to walk up 2 flights of stairs, of course.

I started the TurboFire 90 day workout challenge by Chalene Johnson (http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/turbofire.do) and LOVED it.  It was tough, but I really wanted to get into a regular exercise routine and get in shape.  On the 3rd week, I started feeling pressure in both of my knees whenever I put weight on them, especially when going up and down stairs.  I even had trouble sleeping at night because the muscles around my knee cap were spasming, which was more annoying than painful.  It was like Chinese water torture - no rhythm, just random spasms.

So I paused my workouts and did some research.  Through some blogs on the BeachBody website, I found that many other people had a similar problem, whether it be with TurboFire or a different program.  Turns out, pivoting is VERY important.  I wish I knew this earlier!

The TurboFire workout involves a lot of twisting to the side + punching.  It's very important to pivot and bring your knees with you when you do this.  Do not keep your knees facing forward when you turn/twist.  This pulls on the knees and can cause problems.

I also found out that working out on carpet, which I was doing - of course, causes some resistance to pivoting due to the friction.  So you are supposed to workout on a hard floor or, as one blogger suggested, put packing tape on the bottom of your shoes.


Another blogger on the BeachBody website suggested the Mueller Knee Strap (about $6 for one on Amazon.com).  I immediately ordered 2.  It's a single, velcro strap that wraps around the knee just below the knee cap.  It is "designed to improve patellar tracking and elevation by applying mild pressure on the tendon below the kneecap. The tubular insert provides uniform pressure and helps provide pain relief (http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Knee_Jumpers_Strap.htm)."

 

 

I also ordered a Mueller Max Knee Strap (about $17 for one on Amazon.com).  It has 2 velcro straps, one going just below the knee cap like the single jumper strap and the other just over the knee cap.  It is designed for "support for relief of pain associated with soreness, stiffness and arthritis. Compression tubes target above, below and on both sides of the knee. This lightweight and comfortable support provides targeted compression without reducing mobility. Upper and side compression tubes target misalignment and help improve patellar tracking (http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Knee_Max_Strap.htm)."

After a week or so of staying off my knees as much as possible, icing, and wearing the straps, I went to my doctor.  As was already stated by my friend, Erin, who has pretty much become an expert on knee issues, my doctor said I had all the symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis, also called "jumper's knee."  The Patellar tendon is connected to the knee cap.  Patellar Tendonitis "occurs when the patellar tendon and the tissues that surround it become inflamed and aggravated...The main cause of this is overuse (http://www.tendonitis-knee.com/)."  My doctor told me to ice my knees for about 20 minutes 3-4 times a day and take an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen which, of course, I'm allergic to.  All of my research pretty much gave the same suggestions for treatment - rest your knees, ice, take an anti-inflammatory, and wear knee straps.

My BeachBody coach also suggested the Osteo Bi-Flex supplement, which I immediately ordered and have been taking every day.

 I also take a Turmeric supplement every day.  Turmeric supports healthy joint functioning along with several other benefits.  You can purchase it at DrugStore.com and most stores that sell supplements/vitamins.

Because of how often we use our knees and how practically impossible it is to stay off them completely, this condition takes a while to heal and requires patience.  I have put my TurboFire workout on hold for about 2 weeks now and have disappointingly accepted the fact that I may have to start all over again when my knees are finally better.  But I'd rather do that than cause any further damage or injury to me knees.


*Here's my disclaimer so no one sues me after reading this:  If you ever have problems with your knees, always have a medical professional diagnose you.  Don't diagnose yourself.  It's better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks for reading!