Treatment Methods For Patellar Tendonitis
How Can Our Orthopedic Surgeon in Scarsdale, NY Help You?
At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our team knows how devastating knee pain and injuries can be to an athlete. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with patellar tendonitis, you’ll need to work with a top team that can help with your rehabilitation and get you back to full strength. Dr. Roth, our orthopedic surgeon in Scarsdale, NY, will be able to do just that. For more information on what can go into your treatment, and what can point to you having sustained this injury, continue reading.
What Is Patellar Tendonitis?
Your patellar tendon works to connect the muscles in the front of your thigh to your kneecap. These parts of the body work together to allow for movements such as kicking, running or jumping. When overuse of your knee causes your patellar tendon to become irritated and inflamed, it is known as patellar tendonitis. Many different actions can lead to irritation in this tendon taking place, but the sports that are most likely to cause this include:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Track and field events that involve jumping
Symptoms To Watch For
Patellar tendonitis, also known as “jumper’s knee,” needs to be taken care of right away to prevent serious damage to your knee. When care is not received quickly, surgery could be the only option to treat the issue at hand. That is why when we begin to experience any of the following symptoms, you should reach out to our orthopedic surgeon in Scarsdale, NY, right away:
- Pain and inflammation around your knee
- Redness or swelling
- Feelings of discomfort that begins with physical activity or right after an intense workout
- Inability to compete due to knee pain
Risk Factors
Knowing the risk factors that can lead to patellar tendonitis can help you try to avoid this type of injury in the future. Not needing to visit with our orthopedic surgeon in Scarsdale, NY, means you won’t need to stop competing. Below are just some of the risk factors our team wants you to be aware of:
- Muscular imbalances
- Tightened leg muscles
- Sudden increases in the amount of stress placed on your knees
Invasive Forms Of Treatment
After being diagnosed with patellar tendonitis, there are multiple treatment options our orthopedic surgeon in Scarsdale, NY, may recommend. When the damage to your patellar tendon is severe enough, invasive intervention is sometimes the only option. Should this happen to you, below are few procedures and treatments that may be performed:
- Platelet-rich plasma injections: Dr. Roth will perform this injection for patients plagued with chronic patellar tendon problems. These injections can promote new tissue to form and help repair damage.
- Oscillating needle procedure: This outpatient procedure is a relatively new one. With the use of local anesthesia and ultrasound imaging, a small, oscillating needle will cut away the damage in your knee while sparing the tendon.
- Other Surgery: The previous procedure is not the only one that can be performed. If the damage is severe enough, Dr. Roth may recommend a surgical debridement of the patellar tendon. Doing so can eliminate your pain and get you back to full strength.
Non-Invasive Treatment
While invasive treatments can be effective, they always carry the risk of complications. To avoid this from happening, our team may utilize non-invasive forms of treatment at first to see if they will be effective. Examples of these forms of treatment include:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is an activity-based form of treatment that focuses on promoting healing from within the affected area. Through the use of therapeutic stretches and strengthening exercises, the irritation being experienced in your patellar tendon can be relieved.
- Knee braces: If instability has caused patellar tendonitis to take place, wearing a knee brace could correct the issue. These braces can offer the support you need and take the pressure of the patellar tendon.
- Rest and medication: Sometimes, all you’ll need is a few days worth of rest to correct your patellar tendonitis. To manage your pain during your resting period, you may be prescribed painkillers or anti-inflammatories.
Contact Our Orthopedic Surgeon in Scarsdale, NY
Trying to live with knee pain can quickly prove to be a detriment to your everyday life. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our team is committed to helping our patients find the relief they need. For more information on patellar tendonitis, and the treatment methods from our orthopedic surgeon in Scarsdale, NY, contact us today.