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What Causes Inflammation Around Knees?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Question: I have pretty severe I-T band problem, which I have treated by stretching and a foam foller. But it recently became inflamed around the outside of the knee over the tibia bone and into the patella tendon. Do you have a recommendation for treatment?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be patellar tendinitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

You might be suffering from patellar tendinitis. This type of knee pain related to overuse or physical activity.

Slight modifications in your life style can help.

- Do regular knee exercises (quadriceps and hamstrings).
- Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards. Stretch your quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Lose weight if you are overweight. Every pound that you are overweight puts about 5 extra pounds of pressure on your knee cap when you go up and down stairs.
- If you have flat feet, try special shoe inserts and arch supports (orthotics).
- Make sure your running shoes are made well, fit well, and have good cushioning

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (16 hours later)

I have done all that you suggested and am not overweight. I am 175 and 6ft tall. I do stretch before and after and actually have custom made orthodics (after bunyon and hammer toe operation. So is there further action, or does this mean I need to discontinue tennis for a month or more to provide rest? What excercises should I do that will not aggrevate but help and strengthen the area. Should I be taking anti-inflamatory medication

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you need to discontinue.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, you need to discontinue tennis for some time to provide rest to your knee. It will be helpful in reducing the inflammation and strain and speedup the recovery process. Please review earlier answer for exercises and suggestions about shoe.It is good that you are doing stretch exercises. Please continue.
Yes, if you are having pain and swelling you can take ant inflammatory medication.
Wishing you speedy recovery.....

Warm regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju