Pulled Patellar Tendon
#1
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Location: Baltimore, MD
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Bikes: Specialized Sirrus 3.0, 1981 Fuji S12-S Mixte, 1998 GT Edge Ti
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Pulled Patellar Tendon
Hey all,
I (49M) did my first century two weeks ago, had a great time, but 65 miles in I was stopped at a light and when I started off I was in a high gear and pushing down with my left foot while trying to get my cleats engaged strained my patellar tendon.
I’m seeing a PT since it didn’t resolve itself in a week and he has me icing the knee and doing a number of exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles around the knee. I’d love to hear about other people’s experiences!
My questions are:
Thanks!
I (49M) did my first century two weeks ago, had a great time, but 65 miles in I was stopped at a light and when I started off I was in a high gear and pushing down with my left foot while trying to get my cleats engaged strained my patellar tendon.
I’m seeing a PT since it didn’t resolve itself in a week and he has me icing the knee and doing a number of exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles around the knee. I’d love to hear about other people’s experiences!
My questions are:
- How long does this usually take to get back to normal? The PT says 2 months for full recovery, but that’s a week after my next scheduled century. 😬
- How long before I can get back on the bike? I asked the PT of the pain was just pain or if it was hurting the tendon and he said the latter. I’ve tried some VERY light indoor pedaling but after a few minutes the pain comes back.
- Any tips? Tricks? Home remedies, witchcraft or helpful folklore?
Thanks!
#2
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Well, first of all I’d think that the upcoming century you referenced is likely out of the question…for quicker recovery anyway. But you need to consult with your Dr/PT since I’m neither. In the meantime, I guess you need to stay off it as much as possible, ice frequently, and NSAIDS as prescribed by them.
Dan
Dan
Last edited by _ForceD_; 05-11-24 at 10:41 PM.
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#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,228
Bikes: Columbine, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super, Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha, Trek Wahoo, Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
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Hey all,
I (49M) did my first century two weeks ago, had a great time, but 65 miles in I was stopped at a light and when I started off I was in a high gear and pushing down with my left foot while trying to get my cleats engaged strained my patellar tendon.
I’m seeing a PT since it didn’t resolve itself in a week and he has me icing the knee and doing a number of exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles around the knee. I’d love to hear about other people’s experiences!
My questions are:
Thanks!
I (49M) did my first century two weeks ago, had a great time, but 65 miles in I was stopped at a light and when I started off I was in a high gear and pushing down with my left foot while trying to get my cleats engaged strained my patellar tendon.
I’m seeing a PT since it didn’t resolve itself in a week and he has me icing the knee and doing a number of exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles around the knee. I’d love to hear about other people’s experiences!
My questions are:
- How long does this usually take to get back to normal? The PT says 2 months for full recovery, but that’s a week after my next scheduled century. 😬
- How long before I can get back on the bike? I asked the PT of the pain was just pain or if it was hurting the tendon and he said the latter. I’ve tried some VERY light indoor pedaling but after a few minutes the pain comes back.
- Any tips? Tricks? Home remedies, witchcraft or helpful folklore?
Thanks!
Helpful folklore? When I shredded the cartilage in my left knee riding a mountain bike, one of my "woo-woo ish" friends gave me a knee brace with magnets in it. Since I couldn't compare it with anything, who knows? Maybe it worked miracles.
__________________
Cheers, Mike
-Stupid hurts....ride safe
Cheers, Mike
-Stupid hurts....ride safe
#4
New but Nice
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 96
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus 3.0, 1981 Fuji S12-S Mixte, 1998 GT Edge Ti
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I actually haven’t seen a general practitioner or surgeon, if only because it was relatively easy to diagnose from the location of the pain, the cause of the injury, and the fact that I can do one-legged leg presses pretty easily: strained, but not shredded.
I haven’t been taking NSAIDs at all until the last couple days because I was worried about masking the pain and re-injuring myself because of my innate overconfidence. But now that I’ve figured out that I can’t bike, run or sit for long periods, I’m going to focus on ice and Ibuprofen just to keep the swelling down.
I’ll be on the lookout for some magnets - maybe the ones on my fridge might help? 😀
I haven’t been taking NSAIDs at all until the last couple days because I was worried about masking the pain and re-injuring myself because of my innate overconfidence. But now that I’ve figured out that I can’t bike, run or sit for long periods, I’m going to focus on ice and Ibuprofen just to keep the swelling down.
I’ll be on the lookout for some magnets - maybe the ones on my fridge might help? 😀