Tendinitis in knees?

Question

I have tendinitis in both of my knees. It started a few years ago, and it never really flares up unless I run. It's weird-- I'll run one day and be fine and then the next day it will hurt so bad I can hardly walk. The point is I guess, that I. Love. Running. I love that feeling of running outside and being out of breath and that burn, and it's been super hard for me to run these past few years. (I'm 21 now). I ran the other day and really regretted it the next day.

I know that using pain relievers is supposed to help, but I'm one of those weird people who had medical problems when they were younger and know I just hate taking all medicine because I want my body to function well on its own.

Does tendinitis ever just go away? Are there stretches or exercises that I can do to make it better? Any tips in general?

I've heard that it can be caused by "surprising" your joints by using them when they are used to being not used, but then I also hear that you should just let them "rest". So I am confused!

Answer 1

Hey!

I have tendonitis as well. Stretching out your knee cap can help, but I found the best thing is wearing a Petela tendon strap works great. You can buy it at any pharmacy for about 25 bucks. You just strap it on right underneath your knee and away you go. It really helps. You can also try running on a softer track to minimize the pressure put on your knee.