Update to Worried about Knees

[Zippinalong]

Just got back from the Ortho and he said I have Patellar Tendonitis in both knees. He pointedly touched that area and I almost went through the roof.
The shitty part is that I need to stop biking for awhile .
I go to PT twice a week for 6 weeks and hopefully between 4-6 weeks I feel a lot better (if not sooner)
I'm really bummed because I cannot ride and I signed up for a ride that is in 2 weeks.
What do you all do to get past this? I haven't ridden in 10 days as it is and already I'm starting to feel depressed.

[Abarnes]

I recall you mentioning that you were going to have your fitter check your seat height.

Are you doing icing? Wondering too if your Doc is recommending stretches and massage (glutes and hams, hip flexors, etc). The PT should be addressing tightness in those major muscle groups

Sorry to say that I'd not recommend long mileage/big distance rides at this stage, as you describe the pain as sending you thru the roof. It's easy to continually re-injure and aggravate tendonitis without full recovery.

However, that is not to say that you can't ride EASY in small gears (no big chain ring period!) to keep healthy. Active recovery on the bike has to do with increasing the knee open angle (less knee flexion), and reducing the shear force on the joint (easier gears, higher rpms)

[Zippinalong]

I recall you mentioning that you were going to have your fitter check your seat height.

Are you doing icing? Wondering too if your Doc is recommending stretches and massage (glutes and hams, hip flexors, etc). The PT should be addressing tightness in those major muscle groups

Sorry to say that I'd not recommend long mileage/big distance rides at this stage, as you describe the pain as sending you thru the roof. It's easy to continually re-injure and aggravate tendonitis without full recovery.

However, that is not to say that you can't ride EASY in small gears (no big chain ring period!) to keep healthy. Active recovery on the bike has to do with increasing the knee open angle (less knee flexion), and reducing the shear force on the joint (easier gears, higher rpms)

Right, I'm gonna bring my bike in and have everything rechecked.
The doc said not to ride for awhile and go to PT (which I start on Tuesday) so I'm sure they'll give me all the exercises to do.
I'm sure once I start to feel better I can start doing the real easy stuff.
I just feel down right now not able to ride and of course having the constant discomfort.

[NbyNW]

Sorry you're feeling down. It's disappointing when you have to change your plans because of injury. And it sounds like you're in a fair amount of pain, which doesn't help matters much.

You've got what sounds like a fairly straightforward diagnosis and plan of action. You might feel a bit more in control of the situation once you've started to see your PT and they have given you your marching orders. A little warning -- PT exercises can be really boring. Do them anyway! There are no shortcuts.

Did the Dr. at least talk to you about treating the inflammation with R.I.C.E.?

[crazycanuck]

I totally understand as i've been off the bike/pool/walking doggies etc for about 2 months due to falling in june and flaring up an old chronic sports upper body injury. I understand now I didn't rehabiitate properly first time round. I probably won't be back on the bike outside until *fingers crossed* December, swimming early 2012.

If you do take anti inflammatories etc DO not get back out there too early. Take it easy & listen to your body. Coming from experience....

Yup, do the physio exercises & find some other outdoor activity to keep you going. I've taken up bushwalking & other long walks.

You'll get back out there!

[NbyNW]

Do you swim? Could be a great way to work out some energy. Focus on your stroke technique, and put a float between your knees so you're not tempted to put stress on them....