Patellar Tendonitis and leg extensions

[kuri]

For Bill or anyone else, I have a case of Petallar Tendonitis in one knee, perhaps chronic as it has recurred 3-4 times in the last 5 years.

I consistently elevate the leg, use heat treatments, light massage, and stretching so there is no pain and have %70 normal flexibility (no ass to the grass, thats for sure)

I'm looking for leg exercises that are safest for building strength in my quads and around the knee without inflammation.

Are leg extensions and curls generally good for this purpose and safe?

Should I avoid squats?

Romanian deads feel OK, as I don't feel it stressing the join as much as squats, but I'd like to know if this movement recommended

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Axis]

This thread may help.

I've heard general recommendations against leg extensions.

from this article:

8. Leg (knee) extensions. Leg extensions are one of the most popular exercises for strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscle, however, doing leg extensions when the thigh is immobilized on the seat of a bench is potentially dangerous because of the pressure built up in the knee joint. When only the shin is in motion, the forces multiply greatly in the knee joint. When both the thigh and shin are free to move as in the squat or when doing the exercise with rubber tubing as in the Active Cords set, the pressure is less, making the exercise much safer. When you are locked into a seated position and then straighten the leg, the internal forces are so great that damage can occur to the connective tissue and especially the ligaments supporting the knee joint. For greater safety, and equal effectiveness, do the squat or knee extensions with Active Cords.

[kuri]

Thanks much Axis, appreciate it!
I did a search but didn't come across that thread. Guess I need to brush up on my skills.

The drop squat protocol looks good and I'll jump on it, so to speak.

A Doc advised me that if doing leg extensions only do the negative portion with the affected leg, but after reading through the thread cycling + Bill's suggestions may do the trick.

Thanks for your help.

[kuri]

As a follow-up I've started using the drop squat routine along with stretching, ice, massage, and jacuzzi - and already the knee is feeling better.

Props to Axis and of course Bill for the info