Ice or heat?

[Crackle]

As I understand it, if you've had an injury which is inflamed, then ice but with anything involving a tendon then a combo of ice or heat, heat later.

Now I think, I've got quadriceps patella tendonitis, think, as currently I'm just doing some googling and trying to work out exactly where and how I've got pain and can consistently describe it before I go to the physio, which I think I'll need to.

I can't feel any inflammation and my instincts are all saying I need heat. It's not worse after rest but better and worse after exercise. I applied some heat o it and feel some relief but I don't want to make it worse.

Any informed views on which to use right now?

 

[rualexander]

Ice.
I had quadriceps tendonitis (according to the physio) last summer and regular icing was part of the treatment. I have never been advised to apply heat by a physio for any of my knee related tendon issues.
The physio also gave me ultrasound therapy to encourage tendon healing.
Also stretching of quadriceps and hamstrings.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

RICE....rest, ice, compression, elevate for soft tissue injuries.

 

[jazzkat]

I have an ongoing issue with an Achilles tendonosis which I was told by my physio to alternate cold and heat. The thinking behind it being that the cold restricts the blood flow to the area and then the heat opens the blood vessels flushing fresh blood into the area, where upon you again apply the ice. Along with stretching it does work for me. The Achilles does have a very poor blood supply though and so it may be something specific to that particular area.
Sorry, I've been absolutely no use at all!

 

[Crackle]

I have an ongoing issue with an Achilles tendonosis which I was told by my physio to alternate cold and heat. The thinking behind it being that the cold restricts the blood flow to the area and then the heat opens the blood vessels flushing fresh blood into the area, where upon you again apply the ice. Along with stretching it does work for me. The Achilles does have a very poor blood supply though and so it may be something specific to that particular area.
Sorry, I've been absolutely no use at all!

No you have. I'd read similar for tendon problems as the blood flow is not good so you initially treat with ice then heat.

 

[DooDah]

If it is Tendonitis then always ice, as this is an inflammation which heat can make worse. Due to my work I have (from time to time) tendonitis in one elbow and one achilles, ice always provides some relief, but ultimately rest (combined with anti-inflammatory drugs) is the only cure. Something which I cannot do.

 

[Crackle]

If it is Tendonitis then always ice, as this is an inflammation which heat can make worse. Due to my work I have (from time to time) tendonitis in one elbow and one achilles, ice always provides some relief, but ultimately rest (combined with anti-inflammatory drugs) is the only cure. Something which I cannot do.

I can't do NSAIDs after a recent bout of Gastritis, a rub might be OK.

A doctor I know has confirmed my diagnosis under the proviso I go and see a physio for a regime but they recommended ice, compression an anti-inflammatory rub and some heat.

 

[DooDah]

IMO, and of the French medical system, physio is not a good idea until the main symptoms have started to go away, as manipulating an inflamed tendon will make it worse. I have sometimes used a Nurofen gel and it has helped a little. Also, IMO heat should only be applied once the inflammation has gone away. Inflammation is just a symptom of an injury, tear or strain. Heat will work after the inflammation has gone .

 

[Crackle]

IMO, and of the French medical system, physio is not a good idea until the main symptoms have started to go away, as manipulating an inflamed tendon will make it worse. I have sometimes used a Nurofen gel and it has helped a little. Also, IMO heat should only be applied once the inflammation has gone away. Inflammation is just a symptom of an injury, tear or strain. Heat will work after the inflammation has gone .

Agreed. 72hrs after is the advice I'm told.

 

[fossyant]

Amputation - it will be fine !!

 

[Crackle]

Most of my body needs amputating now.

 

[subaqua]

ICE on for 20 minutes then 2 hr break and then repeat.

I use Voltarol if the pain gets really bad as it eases it.

 

[Crackle]

Turns out to be a patellar tracking problem plus wear and tear, so it didn't matter if I used ice or heat.

I've got exercises to do and am to be guided by pain as to what I do but I think my knees are telling me to drop the running for now.

 

[HeroesFitness]

Ice for the first 2 days, probably twice a day for 15 minutes, if it is patella tendonitis you will have to rest it and also get yourself a patella strap as this will reduce the stress on the tendon and help it heal faster.

Definitely go a see a registered physiotherapist.

 

[Crackle]

It's not tendonitis, although the patella tracking out of line has given me some of the same symptoms. I'd had trouble tracking down the pain precisely, the physio had no trouble and had to pull me off the ceiling. Only the right patella but I think when I initially flared it up I'd masked it with some general muscle pain on top of my slightly achy worn knees anyhow. Time to give my knees a break I think.