Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 11/9/2008

Question
I'm 15, and about 2 years ago, I took a fall down a flight of stairs, landing on my knee. I did the physical therapy, which didn't help. My knee is misaligned, and the bottom of my patella is frayed. It frequently pops and bothers me. I want to drop some pounds, but I'm not sure what I can do to make that happen- it hurts alot after I run or walk alot. Any ideas?

Answer
Cassara, First stay away from the running if you can as that will only cause more problems. I would recommend trying biking either on a regular bicycle or stationary bike its more user friendly for the knee.

I would also have another orthopedic doctor look at it if this continues as you are much to young to have to put up with this problem right now. Something like this will not generally clear up on its own. Is the patellar tendon frayed? What were they doing in PT with you to begin with? Did an orthopedic doctor send you there?

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.