> I had a couple of knee surgeries (torn ACL) and had had patellar
tendonitis,
> and I am also a physician (neurologist). I agree with most of the thread.
> 1) Sports Medicine MD consultation is the single most important piece.
Rule
> out other problems. Correct dx is critical
> 2) Physical therapy is needed. Get a program and stick to it for at least
a
> year.
> 3) Strengthening of Quads, and in particular, repetitions to strengthen
the
> inner quad (the last 15 degrees of knee extension) are quite important.
The
> outer quad pulls the knee cap up and to the outer side, the inner pulls it
> up and toward the inner side. Most people when they recover, they
emphasize
> lifting heavy weights with the biggest muscle (the outer) neglecting
> completing knee extension to 0 degrees.
> Exercises:
> 10-15 repetitions max weight from 90 to 0
> 20-30 repetitions medium weight from 20 to 0
> Half-Squads and up
> Squads with ball between legs.
> 4) Decreasing inflammation: (Consult with your own physician for any
> medication including those below)
> a) icying after fencing or other exercise for at least a couple of hours.
> b) NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.). I am a big fan of intermittent high dose
COX-2
> inh. (rofecoxib - Vioxx 50mg qd x 2 days/week, when I fence)
> c) Chondroitin/Glucosamine supplementation at least once a day
>
> Jose

Thanks for the detailed and sensible reply on this matter. I went to see a
sport physio privately, and have totally revised my regular workout,
introducing lots of squats, low resistance leg presses. Most amusing
suggestion to come out of it was to try fencing left handed for a while in
practice. Sitting in stance for several hours a week has overdeveloped my
right oblique and underdeveloped the left and combined with my teenage knee
injury, my left patella was tracking diagonally causing the inflamation.
Things have been greatly improved by at least knowing the diagnosis, doing a
reasoanble exercise regime, icing after vigorous exercise, using frictional
massage and ultrasound. Should be back into it all gently sometime int he
next few months.

Glad to have the Glucosamine recommendation - friends had advised this, but
a medical opinion is great.

Cheers

Gav