The patello-femoral joint :
Not sure what is going on... - - Posted by chad (birdman33), 10 March 2004
My knee history is quite long so I'll try and make this quick. Have had six surgeries - Carticel and Elmslie-Trilliat, and then subsequent arthroscopies to trim the cartilage and take out scar tissue.
Trying to get back to jogging/sports. Quad is still weak a bit, but am on a very focused rehab - step downs, leg raises, hip exercises, lots of stretching.
Am starting on a basic, gradual jogging program. Am feeling pain with the first few jogging steps, then after awhile it is warmed up I don't feel it TOO much. But, it feels like it is below the patella - near the patellar tendon area. It's just a sharp sharp pain that subsides. Could this be patellar tendonitis? It's hard to say, but some of the pain is in the patella too. My tracking is good, although there is some grinding. I've always wondered about a plica too. What would that feel like? Lastly, if I jog too much (like i did a few weeks ago - and that's why we are going much slower now) - the site below where my screw was taken out is painful if it is touched with some pressure. Any ideas?? I see my doctor in early April and am extremely frustrated 
Posted by nmcbride (nmcbride), 10 March 2004
Birdman,
Could be tendonitis, I get a flare up every so often when I've overdone things a little. I also sometimes get pain at the screw site, I had an Elmslie Trillat in my left knee about 7 years ago and I still have the screw in and I get little niggles every now and then. My right knee had the Elmslie Trillat 2 years ago and I had the screw removed and I get tendonitis and pain at the screw site too, even though there's no screw there and it should all be healed by now - go figure. I wouldn't worry too much about it but definately mention it to your OS next time you see him just in case there is something going on in there. Good luck.
Natalie.
Posted by chad (birdman33), 10 March 2004
I was thinking maybe tendonitis too. Is there evidence that patellar realignments cause more tendonitis than not having it? I would think with the tendon being a little displaced that it could cause this easily. If so, what's the best solution - just build the inner quad like they always say?? The pain is very sharp - almost to the point where your knee wants to give way. After it warms up it's OK, but then afterwards - ouch. Rest usually helps - but it's not gone away at all. The pain at the screw site bothers me just as much. With more activity it gets worse - then settles without. My dr. took an x-ray and it showed the bone had completely healed. Is this forever??
Posted by nmcbride (nmcbride), 11 March 2004
Birdman,
Don't know if its for ever, perhaps someone else on the boards who's had this problem can answer that, all I know is that my first TTT was 7 years ago and I still get the odd bout of tendonitis. Again, not sure if having a TTT makes you more prone to this or not, your OS would maybe be able to tell you that. Whenever you get that pain do you ice? I found that helped as my knee is always really really hot as well as sore when I have the tendonitis. One thing that worries me though is where you say that your knee feels like it wants to give way - I don't think that would be attributed to tendonitis (but hey, I'm no doctor so maybe), it might be worth getting that checked out. Obviously keeping your quads etc strong does help but don't really know what else can be done to prevent tendonitis - if you find out let me know! Good luck.
Natalie.
Updated Thu Apr 29 2010
