07 Mar Understanding Patellar Tendinitis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
What is Patellar Tendinitis?
Patellar Tendinitis, also known as jumper knee, is an injury marked by inflammation of the patellar tendon, which links the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition weakens the tendon; if left untreated, it can result in tendon tears. Our sports Injury Specialist in NY can help diagnose and treat any musculoskeletal pain you may have.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may apply pressure to different knee areas to pinpoint where you’re experiencing pain. The discomfort from patellar tendinitis is felt at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap.
- X-rays: To help rule out other bone issues that might be causing knee pain.
- Ultrasound: To test sound waves to create an image of your knee, allowing the doctor to detect tears in the patellar tendon.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images, which can highlight subtle changes in the patellar tendon.
Treatment:
A Sports Injury Specialist in NY, like ours at New York Sports Medicine Institute, will provide the treatment you need to better yourself. Treatments may include:
- Medications
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, etc.) can help temporarily relieve the pain caused by patellar tendinitis.
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching can help relieve muscle spasms and lengthen the muscle-tendon unit. Avoid bouncing while stretching.
- Strengthening exercises: Weak thigh muscles can put extra strain on the patellar tendon. Exercises that focus on slowly lowering your leg after extending it are particularly beneficial,
- Patellar tendon strap: A strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon can help distribute force away from the tendon and direct it through the strap, which may help relieve pain.
- Enhanced Treatment Options
- Corticosteroid injection: A corticosteroid injection, guided by ultrasound, may be administered around the sheath of the patellar tendon to help reduce pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma injection: This injection has been explored for individuals with chronic patellar tendon issues, with ongoing studies examining its effectiveness. The goal is that these injections may stimulate new tissue growth and aid in healing tendon damage.
- Surgery: Rare but not impossible, if other treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend surgical debridement of the patellar tendon. Some of these procedures can be performed through small incisions around the knee.
Prevention
Preventing Patellar Tendinitis involves reducing strain on the patellar tendon through proper warm-ups, stretching, and strengthening exercises. A Sports Injury Specialist in NY, like ours at New York Sports Medicine Institute, will show you the correct technique during physical activities. Taking rest between intense workouts and avoiding overuse can also help protect the knees and prevent injury.
There are five ways to prevent patellar tendinitis:
- Regular stretching helps lengthen muscles and tendons, reducing spasms and pressure on the patellar tendon. Improving flexibility and balance ensures your body distributes weight and force more efficiently, preventing extra strain on the tendons during activity.
- Strengthening leg and hip muscles reduces stress on the knee and patellar tendon. Exercises like leg presses, squats, and wall sits help build strength, ensuring tendons and joints don’t bear all the force during physical activity.
- Using proper form is key to avoiding unnecessary joint stress and injury. Working with a coach or trainer to refine your technique can prevent harm and enhance your overall performance.
- Cross-friction massage: A deep tissue technique, cross-friction massage boosts blood flow, improves flexibility, and enhances tissue function.
- Ice massage: Cups of ice can be used to massage tendons, muscles, and joints. Ice not only feels good on sore muscles and joints but also reduces inflammation.
Contact Us
If you think that you are experiencing Patellar Tendinitis, book an appointment with the New York Sports Medicine Institute, a Sports Injury Specialist in NY.