Have you ever had tendonitis? How long did it last? Did anything help you speed up your recovery, or at least feel better?

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Answers

Jen, Try Aleve, it works wonders on all my itis/inflammatory conditions.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

I've had it many times (and you're right that that's what they call an injury when they don't know what it is). The last time, a doctor prescribed VIOXX. It was the most amazing thing in the world. It made excrutiating pain go away completely. Maybe you should try it if nothing else works. Tendonitis lasts until it goes away - as long as forever if you don't take it easy. The icing should definitely help, too. I don't know where in your knee it is, but what about stretching it? I suppose that could make it worse, but it probably could have prevented it in the first place. And while I'm here, you should let us know what your plans are for your East Coast Tour, rumor has it that you may be making an appearance in NYC.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Whoa Jennifer! Picking on dentists yesterday and now picking on doctors today! Don't tell me that record heat isn't getting to you! :-)

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

It's not the heat, I pick on doctors every day! Just ask the ones I work with...

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Stretching. (as your sister? mother?) said.

If you don't already do it, try it, after you follow that other regimen.

I developed joint pain in my knees after developing muscle in my legs from exercising. It would get better if I slacked off, but not wanting to do that I started some medium intensity stretching, and I never had a problem again, unless I quit the stretches. (just 3-5 minutes or so for the affected area)

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

It helps to have a doctor who runs; they understand sports injuries and also the desire/need not to lose too much time from your exercise/sports activities.

I had a knee problem (not tendonitis) a few years ago: the prescription was ibuprofen and an exercise program to work on quads.

I did have tendonitis in my foot several years ago... my doctor (who ran track in senior olympics) gave me a cortisone shot (novacaine first) in the bottom of my foot, in the arch... problem went away

More recently, I had heel pain which I self-diagnosed as tendonitis and was told to use ibuprofin, etc., big doses (never take that stuff on an empty stomach, they tell me) but it did not help, finally sent to a podiatrist who fixed the problem with orthotics for my shoes... But she also said to me "you have pain in your left big toe" and I confessed to that but how did she know? She showed my my x-rays and said I have a bunion and suggested surgery. I've been putting off surgery for over a year now because I don't want to be limping around for weeks of recovery but sometimes the damned thing really hurts.

Anyway, give the ibuprofen a shot along with the other suggestions... but especially the part about resting it... four miles of walking is not good... well, it's good, but not with this problem... try to really baby it for a few days... But if it doesn't get better you might seriously consider a practice specializing in sports injuries instead of the university's student health service (although I realize that grad students are not hooked in to first rate HMO coverage, sometimes ya gotta bite that bullet)

Good luck.

Jim

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Yes, I got it in my Achilles tendons during my one serious attempt at becoming a regular runner. I had to walk upstairs sideways for several weeks. It went away by itself.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

Yes, tendonitis is a bitch, and if you don't take care of it, it'll only get worse. My boyfriend injured his knee, and is taking a full year to recuperate. Believe me, you don't want to be there. Can't drive, can barely walk, can't carry anything...It sucks. You only get two good knees - take care of them. On the other hand...by the time we get old, we'll have superior artificial knees available =)

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2000

I had tendonitus of the medial elbow due to some overuse rock climbing. It went away of its own accord after a while of cutting back on the activity that caused it, but during that time I did collect a few articles on tendonitis and tendonosis (when the tendon does not repair properly and inflammation remains for months or years).

Most anti-inflammatories work by suppressing the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes which are needed to produce hormones called prostaglandins. These guys are produced whenever there is trauma to tissue (such as tendon damage).

The problem is that you need prostaglandins for things like blood platelet production, kidney function and stomach lining maintenance, so taking lots of anti-inflammatories can have some bad side effects.

There is a prescription drug called Celebrex or Celecoxib that is supposed to be specific to inhibiting the type of COX enzymes associated with inflammation causing prostaglandins which is usually prescribed for rhumatoid arthritis, but has been getting some press as a treatment for tendonosis.

While most cases can be treated with cutting back on use and taking anti-inflammatories, tendonosis can be serious enough to require surgery.

Whatever you do, don't take a cortisone shot as treatment as it does nothing toward solving the tendon injury and just masks the pain (usually resulting in even worse tendon injury).

Good luck!

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2000

This is off topic, but if the Jayhawks CD is Tomorrow the Green Grass, then you definitely can't live without it.

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2000

I get tendonitis in my wrists fairly often, from bad posture and keyboard ergonomics. A few days of resting them combined with plenty of ibuprofen (or Vitamin I, as I like to call it) seems to do the trick.

I can imagine it would be a much bigger problem in the knee, there's less you can do to rest it.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000

Jen, when I was running a lot my hip joints would occasionally get sore (although fortunately my knees seem to be bionic). I did the "lots of ibuprofen" thing to reduce inflammation, but the most effective treatment seemed to be developing an effective stretching regimen and spending practically as much time on that as I did running. A few years ago (I'm guessing 1993 or 1994) Runner's World featured a regimen of rope-assisted stretches. The stretches in that routine are very similar to rehabilitative yoga poses that are prescribed for people with knee/hip problems, sciatica, and alignment problems. If you can find the right back issue of RW, it's a good routine.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2000

I had tendonitis in my knee. I wore a leg brace that kept my leg straight that went from ankle to thigh. Wore it for one week. When I took the brace off, my tendonitis was gone and never came back.

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2000

I JUST got an attack of tendonitis. I am training for my first marathon which is on Dec 3 and this past week I had to walk at the end of a midweek run of 5 mis. I cannot afford to be laid up at this point in my training, so I was soooo upset. I need to do 18mis next sat am and I am really worried I won't be in good shape foot wise. I over pronate terribly and I saw a podiatrist foir the first time this week. As it turns out, the severe overpronating (flat feet) has given me a variety of problems I thought were independant of each other--bunions, caloused second toe (from it now being longer than my big toe) and tendonitis. THe latter is really problematic. I am doing what people suggest, getting orthotics made, ibuprofen, ice and rest. Will one week be enough?? I hope so.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2000

saw something related to knees from a Orthopedic surgeon today on the news.

High heeled shoes, with the wide heels and comfortable fit are actually not bad on the feet like traditional heel shoes often are, but instead these more comfortable shoes tend to focus the stress on the knees. (i guess one can tolerate wearing them longer) In fact, he was claiming that wearing of these shoes eventually causes arthritic damage after several years.

-- Anonymous, April 30, 2001

I have tendonitis in extender of my second toe from running. I am having a terrible time getting over this. I have tried "lots" of ibuprofen and even a cortisone shot. I need any help that anyone has. I am training for a 1/2 marathon and I am really worried that I won't get over this problem.

-- Anonymous, November 21, 2001

I have not had tendonitis, but right now in school, we are studying it and I just wanted to say, that it is a wonderful and helpful sight for the information I need. What I have learned from this sight is about that I should have a good posture and to not overdo my sports activities. I am very active and I always sprain my ankle and have to wear ankle braces, that is my cure to sore muscles and a quiet read on my bed. Thanks again, I learned a lot!

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

I have recently been diagnosed with bilateral tendonitis of the groin. A bit upset to find no one else with the same problem. I have been out of sport (which I love!!!) for 6 mths now. @ days ago I got a cortisone injection on both sides of my groin. Hope like hell it'll work. Nothing else has. The only good thing is that the operation to fix the problem is incredibly successful. But I really don't want to end up there. If anyone know anymore about this particular problem, I'd appreciate an email. Thanks and I hope you all get well as soon as possible. Murray.

-- Anonymous, February 06, 2002

I've had patellar tendonitis ever since June, but didn't realize it until August. I made a stupid decision: I started to limp so that my right knee wouldn't have to work as much. I figured it would help. It was a bad decision. I only reinjured it (in December) before it was even completely healed. I was on my way to class, basically speedwalking, when the muscles in my right quad tightened up and pushed down on my knee. It felt like someone had gotten a huge hammer and slammed it onto my knee. I haven't been able to stretch it out completely without pain ever since.

I feel like I'm never ever going to be able to run again. It's been over half a year. I've decided to start taking Ibuprofen again, as well as Glucosamine pills. Even though my right knee hurts when I stretch it out, I'm also doing the knee stretching exercises that are supposed to help.

Tendonitis is definitely a bitch.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2002

I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I have tendonitis in both knees. I am going to the bone doctor today that has a place for sport's injury. My right knee was injured in basketball but my left has been injured although I don't know how. My knees are hurt at the top knee. Carrie

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

I have had problems with my left knee since I was 10 years old and I am 18 now. I had arthoscopic surgery in May of 2000 because the doc said I had a torn ligament, and torn cartilage, and osch-good- schlatters disease. The surgery did nothing for the pain. I have been in physical therapy for over 2 1/2 years and the orthopaedic finally said there is nothing else to do besides a total knee replacement and so he said I just have to live with the pain! I am NOT going to live with the pain because the pain is excruciating. Tendonitis has ruined my life and I have had it for going on 9 years now!

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2002

I can fully sympathise with all of you. I have had such pain in my ankles for 4 years now. 5 surgeries later, with very little improvement knowone seems to be able to help me. I was a professional dancer but had to give up , and I miss it so much. The surgeons have not really been sympathetic towards me, I don't think they really appreciate the impact that this has had on my life. The pain is still bad, I'm 24 yrs old, but sometimes I walk like an 80yr old with arthritis. Does anyone have any suggestions ?

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

I have had tendonitis in my left wrist for almost a year now. It got progressively worse but is gradually improving. I saw my doctor a couple of times for it. I tried Ibuprofen and then she prescribed Vioxx. Each time it improved briefly and then got worse again. I have no idea what caused it in the first place. My doctor suggested I see a physical therapist which I haven't done yet. What has seemed to help is doing some exercises that an acquaintance told me about and wearing a brace at night. It's annoying at least and incredibly painful at worst.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2002

i woke up 2 days ago about 3:oo am with this awful hurting running from my thumb down my right wrist. This is the most awful pain i have ever had!!!! i went to the doctor and had x-rays. After his examination and x-rays, he said i have tendonitis. He gave me an arthritis medicine and brace. I woke up at 2:45 Am this morning in so much pain that i just sat on my couch and cried. My husband wanted to know if i wanted to go to the hospital. Of course, i've just been to the doctor so i said no. If any one can give me some help on whether to put ice or heat or anything i can do--i would greatly be appreciative. This is terrible stuff!!!! i thought my wrist was broken as it felt like something was chipping at the bone. x-rays says bones are fine. HELP!!!!!!!i am taking ibroprofin every four hours today. Helps alittle.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002

I HAVE TENDONITIS IN MY LEFT SHOULDER. I HAVE TRIED VIOXX, CELEBREX, AND NOW I AM TRYING NABUMETONE. FORGET IT NONE OF IT WORKS. I NEVER HAD SUCH PAIN IN ALL MY LIFE. I CANT EVEN DRESS MYSELF RIGHT. IT IS HARD TO REACH AROUND WHICH IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. I CANT REACH FOR ANYTHING THE PAIN IN UNBAREABLE. I WISH SOMEONE COULD FIND SOMETHING THAT WOULD MAKE THE PAIN GO AWAY.........:(

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2002

tell your doctor that you want a cortisone shot! Be persistent with your doctors - go see an occupational therapist. I have had it for a few years now. It is depressing. It can go away if you get at it quick. Mine didn't. Good Luck

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2002

I have a number of problems as a result of a car accident (31 years ago) 2 fractured and one crushed vertibrae. Not supposed to walk but did. I have maintained a strict fitness level since the accident/recovery which has been extremely beneficial. Pain is constant due to the injuries and arthritis which developed due to the physical trauma. When the accident first occurred I was told while I was in "intensive care" (by a person whom had suffered intense pain) that pain "is in your mind and can be controlled mentally. I have done so with the assistance of excersise and drugs for over 30 years. Recently once again I have developed Tendonitis in my elbows and knees however the pain this time exceeds substantially previous acceptable levels. I am now using a "tens machine" as well as the other regimens and am getting some relief. As a constant user for ove 30 years of anti-infalmmitory drugs I would caution all users to question your doctor regarding side effects especially with regards to the stomach. Personnally I have only used Brufen once with severe stomach side effects. I am now using Celebrex with less personal problems.

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2002

I've had tendonosis for nearly three months after a golf game.I'm 65 years old and it's the first time. Normally I play golf three times a week and now the agony is extraordinary. The ultra sound shows degeneration and fraying and the specialist says "use it or lose it." Instead of getting better it gets worse. Stretching exercises give short term relief but I guess I'll just have to grit my teeth and face surgery if nothing changes. A specialist who says continue to play golf? What does he know of the pain. The consult only cost $169!

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002

I got my version (achilles tendonitus) after overdoing it at raquetball one day. Had not played in awhile and that did it. Been 6 months now after the orthopedic shoe inserts and it still comes and goes. Gave up on Celebrex. One bit of advice not mentioned so far (6/02) dont walk around barefoot, I find this aggravates the problem.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2002

Hey, I am researching multiple leg injuries today. I am trying to recover for the last 5 years from tendonitis on the inside of my knee (seems rare), now achilles tendonitis, and occasional flare ups of compartment syndrome. I just think I found the rope stretching article from Runner's World. Here is the link: http://www.runnersworld.com/home/0,1300,1-78-80-567,00.html Seems like common solution to all of my problems for me is weight training to correct imbalances of muscle strength, finding some new stretching exercises to better target the muscular cause of tendonitis, and orthotics (I have high arches).

Hope this helps!

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2002

About 3 months ago my left shoulder started to hurt, I thought it was due to stiff neck muscles. Because I am a hairdresser I get that alot, but I also get treatments regularly from a chiropractor. As time went on my shoulder hurt more and I finally lost the use of my arm. After x-rays and an MRI the orthopeadic doctor informed me that I have a "frozen shoulder".It can happen from an injury or from nothing at all. I started physical theropy 5 weeks ago and about 3 weeks into it my wrist began to swell and hurt.The theropist informed me that I have extender tendon tendonitis. Because I over use my wrist and hand when I work, to compensate for the frozen shoulder. I wear a wrist brace and it helps with the swelling and the pain but it is difficult to work with it on. I take Advil 800mg. but it doesn't help much with the pain. I've also tried Celebrex,which didn't help much either. I think overuse is the worst thing to do. I have 3 more weeks of theropy and the frozen shoulder is only 20% better. Dr. said it could take up to 9 months to get range of motion back. Hope the tendonitis in my wrist can survive it! Any suggestions are welcomed.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2002

I have had tendonitis for just about 7 years, I was 12 when I got it and I am just turning 18. It was all due to karate...I think? lol. I have been to Orthopedic doctors and they can't find anything. What really gets me mad was the fact that I joined the military and before I went to basic training it flared up again so I went to the Military doctor this time. He diagnosed it as tendonitis and gave me Naproxen or Naperson. It just doesn't work. So the doctor refers me to a Physical Therepist, well sorry to say the exercises were only a temporary relief. So than I decided to see a Sports Medicine Doctor, well guess what he said...Tendonitis and gives me the same thing. He said if the pain got any worse I could need surgery. Oh by the way the pain is in the knee, lol, it sits right on top of the knee. Well anyways I am starting to panic because it is really hurting me and I am not sure if I should tell the doctor, because it comes and goes all the time. Oh by the way I got disqualified from the military because of this. If anybody has any advice please tell me.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2002

I have been having problems with my knee since December of last year. I noticed while out running that I had some pain below my knee. I had been putting up with the pain exercising off and on until I decided that I better go see a sports med. doc. He said that it was tendonitis and to lay off of it for a while, and sent me to physical therapy. I am on my 3rd week of PT and it seems better. I have been doing some stretching & icing, and am also getting phonophoresis done. I want to make sure that it is fully healed before I go back to running, and that could take a while. It has been a real bummer not being able to run, but I know that if I keep running on it it could do further damage.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2002

I am a competitive cyclist and I found out I had tendonitis in my knee from the X-country running that I was doing as cross training during the winter. Vioxx didn't do a thing and I was getting pretty down about the whole thing. Then a friend of mine who is also a cyclist told me to start taking a lot of MSM and glucosamine and start stretching a lot. Within two weeks I was back on my bike and loving life.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2002

I am 22 and I have been living with chronic patellar tendonitis for 10 months. I have been on every drug and even 2 cort shots, and nothing has worked. I even had athroscopy last month to look inside, he was gonna strip the tendon but the tendon looked ok!! He wants to wait it out longer before stripping it. Its terrible, its ruining my life. All I do is cry and worry about my future. I dont even work because of this, but soon I have to because we are broke. Its so frustrating living with this! Especially when the pain gets bad, I snap and flip out. Gosh, the pain is so GRRRRR right? Its like you wanna wrip your knee off or something. Im gonna keep taking care of it though, because in these 10 months it hasnt gotten worse, its always been the same. I worry about my other knee, its been aching lately, but that could be from me limping. I will die if I have tendonitis in both knees. I started acupuncture last week and I am starting more PT treatments tomorrow, my doctor said it was a very good idea to try acupuncture!! It can work wonders for some.

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2002

I have tendonitus in my elbow. I've been going to the gym for 10 months working out and jogging. One day I just got it. I've heard it all. From vitimins, pain killers, ointments, shots, take it easy, don't take it easy, everything. I can tell you talking to weight lifters or body builders, none of them simply stop because of tendonitus unless there is no other choice. Usually they either do what they can, or get the shot. The cortisone shot works about 50%, but is painful, and is not really good for you, but as a last resort should be considered. If you are involved in any athelitic activity and simply can not take 4 to 8 months off or even 4 to 8 days off from your routine I have this advice. Take plenty of pain killers, my favorite is Advil Gel, I also apply generously Tiger Balm Ultra, it works 100% better then Icy Hot or Ben Gay. I still do my regular routine, but back off certain excersises. For example I can do over head lifts with no problems, chest excersises, arm curls, bench presses with no problems! I have the most problems with dumbells and lifting a cup of coffee! Do what you can, and if you find you can not do it or not do it enough, then you need to find a doctor that will give you a cortisone shot. Not everyone will. To get it you must exagerate your pain to convince them it's needed. You may not have to exaggerate that much : ) For me I can live with the slight pain as long as I am able to continue my routine, the day I can't, I will get the shot, but be warned, it only has a 50% success rate and is slow and painfully administered. Good Luck!

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2002