Patients usually know something is wrong, but they are often unsure of what happened. According to our knee Specialist Singapore, some patients are able to walk following this injury, but many cannot. If the tendon is completely ruptured, the patient will be unable to straighten the knee without help and he or she will be unable to perform a straight leg raise. Most patients will have swelling of the knee and a palpable defect at the location of the tear.
Patellar Tendonitis Treatment (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar Tendonitis Treatment (Jumper’s Knee). What Is Patellar / Quadriceps Tendinitis? The quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon (or patellar ligament) are parts of the extensor mechanism of the knee. It is the extensor mechanism that allows us to straighten our knee or perform a kicking motion. When the quadriceps muscle (thigh muscle) contracts, force is transmitted through the quadriceps tendon, across the patella (kneecap), through the patellar tendon, and the knee is straightened. Both the quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon are thick fibrous tissues. Unlike muscle, these tendons do not expand and contract. They are strong tissues meant to transmit the pulling force of the quadriceps muscle.
Patellar tendinitis is often called “jumper’s knee” and it is a common overuse injury. It occurs when repeated stress is placed on the patellar tendon. The stress results in tiny tears in the tendon, which the body attempts to repair. However when the tears in the tendon increase faster than what the body can recover, it causes the inflammation in the tendon to worsen.
Patellar Tendonitis Treatment
Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee
How Is Jumper’s Knee Diagnosed?
At Singapore Sports Clinic, our knee surgeon Singapore will do the physical examination by applying pressure to different parts of the knee determines exactly where the pain is. Pain associated with patellar tendinitis usually concentrates on the front part of the knee, just below the kneecap. Ultrasound is also used to reveal the location of tears in the patellar tendon. However MRI can reveal more subtle changes in the patellar tendon.
What Are The Causes Pain in Kneecap?
Repeated jumping is the most common cause of patellar tendinitis. Sudden increases in the intensity of physical activity or increases in frequency of activity also add stress to the tendon. Additionally, being overweight or obese increases the stress on the patellar tendon which in turn increases the risk of patellar tendinitis.
Patellar Tendonitis Treatment
At Singapore Sports Clinic, our knee specialist will recommend RESTING which means to avoid running and jumping. Patellar tendonitis includes physiotherapy which encourages tendon healing and strengthening the tendon by strengthening exercises which involve lowering weight slowly after raising it, such as a seated knee extension exercise. A course of anti-inflammatory medication will be good to reduce swelling and inflammation. Patellar strap will also be recommended.
In some cases, cortisone injection may be recommended as patellar tendonitis treatment in Singapore Sports Clinic.
Icing the area of inflammation is an important aspect of tendonitis treatment. The ice will help to control the inflammation and decrease swelling. By minimizing inflammation and swelling, the tendon can return to its usual state and perform its usual function.