Long term knee pain -patellar tendonitis?

[okelfgirl]

I am a 21 year-old female. In November of 2007, my left knee started hurting. I went into an orthopedic surgeon in June of 2008, and he said it might be plica syndrome. He prescribed Naproxen as needed, and I continued with that for probably 8 or 9 months. I went in again in early August 2008 and he said that it was idiopathic and there was nothing really he could do. He named some things, but didn't seem too eager to do anything and said we'd just see how it goes. I went in to him 3-4 more times over the next year and a half. At some point, he suggested it was patellar tendonitis. I have had an MRI which showed no cartilage damage, but did show edema. It supported his diagnosis. I have had two Kenalog shots which did no good.He didn't think PT would help. His belief all along has been that it probably has to do with my growth and would eventually just go away. So sorry!
It is a nearly constant dull ache in the anterior portion of my knee. I don't play sports, but I am a college student so I do quite a bit of walking to and from class. However, I was in HS when this all started. I am a skinny, fairly active girl. This has gone on for nearly 3 years. Luckily, it is something bearable, but it does affect my life. I am growing weary of it. I really am not sure what to do at this point. Anybody have any thoughts/suggestions?

[jeff]

Patellar tendonitis is a knee injury involving a very painful anterior part of knee which is not seen at present. The main cause is intensive jumping and a sudden change of direction while running. If really you have any doubt about your knee's health then you can also take some steps for prevention of such a situation. Just take care to avoid doing activities that are stressful, and regularly do warming up excercise such as jogging. Stretching and balancing exercise is also helpful.