Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?

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2008-09-12 2:51 PM


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Subject: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?

I had posted this on the injury forum but wasn't getting any responses...

I have had off and on knee pain for about a year.  Usually doesn't keep me from missing any training.  My knee hurt worse then usual last week and I went to doctor.  He said its tendonitis and to rest and ice it. So, a week goes by and I have rested all week.  It feels pretty good now.  I ran a couple easy miles at lunch today and felt a twinge but not really pain.  (And maybe I just felt this because I was thinking about it the whole time.)  I have a sprint tri this weekend.  Thoughts on if I should do it? 

 

 

 

2008-09-12 3:16 PM
in reply to: #1671000

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
NC Runner - 2008-09-12 12:51 PM

I had posted this on the injury forum but wasn't getting any responses...

I have had off and on knee pain for about a year.  Usually doesn't keep me from missing any training.  My knee hurt worse then usual last week and I went to doctor.  He said its tendonitis and to rest and ice it. So, a week goes by and I have rested all week.  It feels pretty good now.  I ran a couple easy miles at lunch today and felt a twinge but not really pain.  (And maybe I just felt this because I was thinking about it the whole time.)  I have a sprint tri this weekend.  Thoughts on if I should do it? 

 

 

 



What tendon is it?
2008-09-12 3:19 PM
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Runner
Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
Not race.
2008-09-12 3:28 PM
in reply to: #1671053


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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
Not sure the name of the tendon - its right below my kneecap
2008-09-12 3:37 PM
in reply to: #1671000

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?

Tendonitis used to be thought of as a painful inflamation. There is usually not much inflammation associated this "Condition". "Tendinitis" is not really accurate.

More recent research indicates that it is an overuse injury resulting in microtears in the muscle fibres, leading to an increase in tendon repair cells, yet an absence of inflammatory cells. This may lead to reduced tensile strength, thus increasing the chance of tendon rupture.

Given the risks, I might suggest to not race and get better

2008-09-12 3:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
NC Runner - 2008-09-12 1:28 PM

Not sure the name of the tendon - its right below my kneecap


Patellar tendon? Patellar tendonitis is so-called "jumper's knee." There's lots of advice about it on the Web (and probably in these forums if you search). You should ask your doctor what s/he feels the risks of competing would be. I know tri- and duathletes who've done races with patellar tendonitis (one elite duathlete I know wears a knee strap when it flares up on him)...I've gotten through a marathon with the similar PFPS ("runner's knee"). But you need more feedback...doctors will always (appropriately) prescribe rest for these conditions...because that (along with ice, antiinflammatories, and some home PT...stretching & isometrics) is the remedy. With tendonitis there's always risk of more serious injury by overstressing the injured tendon.

2008-09-12 7:24 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
I had some patellar problems earlier this year and my sports med. doc. gave me some motrin, stretching and strengthening exercises and said to keep training.  My pain went away, but that was me, it might be different for you.  Good luck.
2008-09-12 8:50 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?

I had achilles tendonitis with a race scheduled. My doc suggested I bag the race and rest but knowing the triathlete mindset he said if I did race to at least walk the run.

I did the race and was feeling pretty good til the run... and although I tried to run, I really could only manage a few yards before I'd walk again.

Frankly, I was lucky that it didn't rupture. That was my first season and second race. If it were to happen now, I'd probably NOT race because of the demands I'd put on my body and not wanting to risk being out of the sport for a loooooong time or suffer permanent damage.

2008-09-13 8:56 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
I had Patellar tendonitis and I got threw 2 marathons in 3 weeks with it but I do not recommend it. first one I was prtty much drugged threw it and the second one I had to stop at about mile 22 to throw up from the pain even with drugs.

I did a sprint earlier that year and I rememebr having to get ice as soon as I was done with the race because it was hurting so bad.

You can race with the pain. its possible but your times will be slower than the it should be and you just delay when you can race again.
2008-09-16 1:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
Swim hard, bike hard, and try to get through the run. If it hurts that much, drop the run. I have a calf strain and a race this weekend..that is my plan anyway

Rarely will you race under perfect circumstances. Obviously if it hurts that much during the race, don't be stupid, but I would at least give it a shot. ICE/MOTRIN big time right afterwards.
2008-09-16 1:45 PM
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Pro
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Subject: RE: Racing with tendonitis - bad idea?
I would try to isolate the root cause of the tendon strain. Is it shoes? Running form? Overuse?You can rest all you want but if the root cause is not addressed you are in for a roller coaster ride.

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