Overuse problems of the knee :

questions about PFS & patellar tendonitis - - Posted by 3of3 (3of3), 30 December 2004

(this is a cross post from the patellofemoral forum)

Hi all,
I've had PFS problems since August; I did a long run late in July and my body wasn't ready for it, so I've been paying the price ever since. It seems my ITB's and Vastus Laterali have been and are super tight and strong while my VM's are only so-so in their strength. So, I've been doing PT which consists of ITB, hamstring, quad and calf stretches and for strengthening, I've been doing step downs, side kicks and various core exercises.

My questions are:
1.  
what is this "stretched" feeling that I have at my patellar tendons? I typically have it after doing step downs or anything else that loads the PF joint. It is often accompanied by mild inflammation; the tendons feel warm, but not painful.

2.  
My right knee, which has Osgood Schlatter's and tendonitis (do they necessarily go hand in hand?) has become swollen in the past when I would run. The patella on this same knee has often had inflammation towards the bottom and center of its backside. Can patellar tendonitis "radiate" inflammation up into the patella?

3.  
Does sports massage help to loosen ITB's and Vastus Laterali? I've been doing the stretches the PT showed me but I have to wonder if something more is needed to loosen these tissues...

4.  
does wearing a patellar tendon strap reduce patellar tendon inflammation?

5.  
my most naive question- is inflammation of my patellar tendons in any way destructive to them? Does is cause tissue degeneration?

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