Help finding good knee doctor near Chicago

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I have been having patella tendon problems that are getting bad enough that I am having trouble
getting around after I run. So I need some medical advice. I live near Chicago.

I know that rest is the best answer, but I need to keep running if at all possible. I have seen a
local orthopedic surgeon/sports doctor who x-rayed the knee and saw no problems, I do have swelling
and he diagnosed it as inflammation of patella tendon. His solutions seems to be cortisione or
Vioxx, I chose Vioxx.

Been on Vioxx for about 2 weeks, running just twice a week now, 5 mile runs. Just trying to tread
water in regard to my fitness (I like to run 20-25 miles a week) but my knee still hurts like hell
and is getting worse. Gotta do something here, it is affecting my ability to do real-life tasks. I
am 42 but I look 80 going up & down stairs.

Enough babbling, my question is this: How do I find a *good* sports doctor that will try to find a
way to keep me running? Meaning they will investigate orthotics ( my right leg/foot is a little
funky and pain is in right knee) and solutions beyond Vioxx. Maybe I shoulkd be looking for a
physical therapist. I don't know :(

I just blew close to $200 on a visit to an orthopedic doctor that basically had the "if running
hurts don't run" attitude. I realize that this may be the ultimate answer but runnning is important
enough to me and I want to find a doc who will understand that and has "real" sports doctor
expertise.

Thanks!

>So I need some medical advice.

Then go to a MEDICAL NEWSGROUP, and not a running newsgroup.

>Enough babbling, my question is this: How do I find a *good* sports doctor that will try to find a
>way to keep me running?

You simply need new shoes that fit your style of running, or possibly a trip to the chirpractor, or
both. Have your style looked at carefully, or video tape yourself, you'll find clues, absent of
those get new shoes.

> and solutions beyond Vioxx.

I'm on it too but for different reasons, and you are on it for the wrong reasons. If it helps you
run through knee pain you are simply making your knee worse. Treat the cause not the effect.

>Maybe I shoulkd be looking for a physical therapist.

Duh!

>I just blew close to $200 on a visit to an orthopedic doctor that basically had the "if running
>hurts don't run" attitude.

And as you were leaving you see him out back with his receptionists having a cigarrette.

Bill R.