Patellar Tendinitis: What it is and what I can do about it ?
Are you currently suffering from Patellar Tendinitis and would like some guidance on how to manage the symptoms? Look no further as our Team of Specialists at Perfect Balance Clinic are here to give you some top tips on how to keep your symptoms at bay.
What is Patellar Tendinitis?
Patella Tendinitis is a term for an injury to the tendon at the front of your knee. To be exact, the tendon attaches from your kneecap (patellar) to your shin bone (tibia). The phrase “tendinitis” is split up into 2 meanings. ‘TENDIN-’ (meaning the actual structure of the tendon) and ‘ITIS’ (meaning swelling or inflammation).
How does Patellar Tendinitis Occur?
The Patellar Tendon acts as one of many knee stabilisers but generally assists with flexion and extension of the knee. Commonly this injury occurs from either biomechanical imbalances in the lower body (for example: Hips, Knees or Foot and Ankle), direct force or impact with the tendon or repetitive use of the knee joint and muscle groups surrounding the joint.
What symptoms could you experience?
Most individuals with Patellar Tendinitis complain of pain in and around the knee joint, typically just below the kneecap itself. You may notice a bit of swelling below the kneecap and/or tenderness to the touch. It can be difficult to differentiate between Patellar Tendinitis and other types of knee injuries, however, a good way to examine the tendon is to compare the affected knee to the other knee. You can do this by visually comparing the size and look of the tendons or by gently palpating each tendon, looking out for areas of fluid, redness or discomfort. You may also experience some discomfort through particular movement patterns like walking up/down the stairs, straightening your knee or running.
How can Patellar Tendinitis be treated?
Here are some common ways in which Patellar Tendinitis can be managed and treated:
Think about reducing your exercise frequency and intensity as your exercise regime may be one of the main onsets to your symptoms. High-intensity training can lead to a delay in the healing response.
Controlling the body’s inflammatory response helps to accelerate the healing of the tendon. Apply ice or a cold product to the knee up to 3-4 times a day for 5-10mins. Off the counter anti-inflammatory drugs or anti-inflammatory gels can be another option to help to reduce any active swelling around the knee, however, do check with your GP before using these products.
Clinical based treatments are another way in which healing can be accelerated. Manual Therapy conducted by a Specialist Clinician (i.e Physiotherapist) can provide direct treatment to the tendon. Electrotherapy protocols are also options of therapy which can be used to treat and heal the tendon (i.e Ultrasound and Shockwave Therapy)
Need more advice?
If you require further advice regarding your Knee Pain or would like to speak to one of our specialists directly at Perfect Balance Clinic, then please feel free to call us 08000724012 or email us on [email protected]. We are pleased to be able to offer online remote sessions to new and existing clients also.
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