Patellar tendinitis is a health problem characterized by the inflammation of the tendon which combines the kneecap, or patella, to the shinbone. The knee pain may range from mild to severe depending on the conditions of the knee injury.

Patellar tendinitis and knee injuries can occur due to automobile accidents although it is most commonly a sports injury among athletes who play at volleyball and basketball, known as jumper’s knee. During a car crash, the force of the impact can cause a person to strike their knees, resulting in a variety of knee injuries, including patellar tendinitis.

Causes of Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is caused by strain on the knee frequently from overuse in bodily pursuits. Stress can create tears along the tendons which can cause inflammation in the complex constructions of the knee.

Contributing factors of patellar tendinitis include:

• Tight or stiff leg muscles
• Uneven leg muscle strength
• Toes, ankles, and legs
• Obesity
• Sneakers without cushioning that is enough
• Tough playing surfaces
• Chronic health issues that weaken the tendon

Athletes have a higher chance of developing patellar tendinitis because jumping, jogging, and squatting put force over the thoracic. Running can place a force of as many as five times the body weight on the knees.

Physical activity for a protracted amount of time has been formerly associated with jumper’s knee. A 2014 research study noted that jump frequency was also an important risk factor for players.

Indicators of Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis’ symptoms include soreness, discomfort, and tenderness at the base of the kneecap or patella. Other indicators of patellar tendinitis may include a burning feeling. For many patients, kneeling down or getting up from a squat is also particularly debilitating.

The pain associated with patellar tendinitis may be irregular at first, manifesting after participating in activities that are physical. Injury or damage to the tendon can also make the pain worse. Jumper’s knee may affect regular daily activities, such as climbing stairs or sitting in a vehicle.

Patellar tendinitis is a particularly common source of pain and discomfort in the patellar area of many individuals. Research studies have shown that patellar tendinitis could be associated with sprains and stiff ankle movements, among other sports injuries, while it happens as a consequence of constant or repetitive jumping, although it may develop due to damage or injury from an automobile accident.

Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Patellar Tendinitis Diagnosis

At the beginning of a consultation, the medical professional will initially ask the patient about their particular health issue. The doctor will physically evaluate the patient’s knee probe for where they’re feeling pain, and also examine the assortment of knee motion by extending and bending the patient’s leg.

Furthermore, the healthcare professional may ask for imaging diagnostics to find out if there’s injury or any damage to the tendon or perhaps the bone. These tests will help rule out a broken bone, or fracture. The health care provider may use an X-ray to search for a fractured or displaced kneecap, and an MRI or an ultrasound to reveal any injury to the tissue.

Patellar Tendinitis Treatment

Remedy for patellar tendinitis depends on the damage or harm to the knee. Actions to decrease pain, like exercises or rest are generally the first line of treatment. The medical professional will recommend a span of rest, from engaging in physical activities that place stress on the knees, where they’ll prevent the individual from aggravating their problems.

Drugs and/or Medicines

The healthcare practitioner may prescribe medication that are over-the-counter and/or medications for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

These can include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

The medical professional may recommend using corticosteroid injection in the region around the patellar tendon if the individual’s symptoms are severe. This therapy is effective in reducing acute pain.

Another method of treatment utilizes an electric charge to push it through the skin and then corticosteroid by spreading the medicine for patellar tendinitis in a process called iontophoresis.

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

The goal of chiropractic care and physical therapy for patellar tendinitis is to reduce pain and inflammation, among other symptoms, as well as to strengthen the leg and thigh muscles together with stretches and exercises.

Even while resting, then the physician may recommend that you wear a brace and use crutches to avoid damage or harm to the tendon, if the patient’s symptoms are severe. Then they can start participating in physical treatment activities if the patient has no debilitating symptoms.

A rehab program includes:

• A warm-up interval
• Massage, heat or ice to the knee
• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening exercises

A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, may use ultrasound and electrical stimulation to ease the patient’s knee pain. A knee brace may also help reduce pain when engaging in physical activities. A workout program that might include a set of exercises and stretches may be developed by the medical professional.

Surgery

When other therapies aren’t effective in relieving symptoms, the physician may advise surgery to repair the patellar tendon. Traditional surgery involves opening the knee to scratch on the kneecap and tendon. More lately, arthroscopic operation is utilized for this particular process. This surgical intervention entails making four small incisions in the knee and it has a shorter healing time.

The healing period for operation varies per process. Some intervention advice involves using a cast for immobilization. A rehab program is suggested by others. Irrespective of the level of damage and/or harm, it is vital for individuals to seek medical attention due to their patellar tendinitis. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topic Discussion: Relieving Knee Pain without Surgery

Knee pain is a well-known symptom which can occur due to a variety of knee injuries and/or conditions, including sports injuries. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body as it is made-up of the intersection of four bones, four ligaments, various tendons, two menisci, and cartilage. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the most common causes of knee pain include patellar subluxation, patellar tendinitis or jumper’s knee, and Osgood-Schlatter disease. Although knee pain is most likely to occur in people over 60 years old, knee pain can also occur in children and adolescents. Knee pain can be treated at home following the RICE methods, however, severe knee injuries may require immediate medical attention, including chiropractic care.

EXTRA EXTRA | IMPORTANT TOPIC: Knee Injury Treatment