Sports Injury Patellar Tendinitis

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

Patellar tendinitis, or jumper’s knee, is a sport injury among athletes who play at basketball and volleyball. On amateur players, an estimated 14.4 percent of these have jumper’s knee, in which the prevalence is higher for professional athletes. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of volleyball players have patellar tendinitis.

Causes for Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is caused by repetitive strain from overuse in activities on the knee. Pressure can create tears along the tendons which may result in inflammation in the knee’s complex constructions.

Contributing factors of patellar tendinitis include:

• Tight or stiff leg muscles
• Uneven leg muscle power
• Misaligned toes, ankles, and legs
• Obesity
• Sneakers without cushioning
• Tough playing surfaces
• Health problems that weaken the tendon

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

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

Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis’ signs include pain and tenderness at the base of the kneecap or patella. Other indicators of patellar tendinitis might include a burning sensation. For many individuals, kneeling down or getting up out of a squat is also especially painful.

The pain associated with patellar tendinitis can be intermittent at first, after participating in activities, manifesting immediately. Damage or injury to the tendon can also make the pain worse. Jumper’s knee can affect daily tasks, like sitting in a vehicle or climbing stairs.

Patellar tendinitis, also called “jumper’s knee”, is an especially common cause of pain and discomfort in the patellar region of many athletes. Research studies have shown that patellar tendinitis may be associated with sprains and rigid movements, among other sports accidents while it frequently happens as a result of continuous or repetitive jumping.

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

Patellar Tendinitis Diagnosis

At the start of a consultation, the healthcare professional will ask the patient about their particular health issue. The doctor will then assess the patient’s knee, probe for where they are feeling pain, and also examine the assortment of knee motion by extending and bending the patient’s leg.

What’s more, the medical professional may additionally purchase imaging diagnostics to discover if there’s any injury or damage to perhaps the bone or the tendon. These tests can help rule out a broken bone, or fracture. The doctor can use an X-ray to look for a fractured or displaced kneecap, and an MRI or an ultrasound to show any harm.

Patellar Tendinitis Treatment

Treatment for patellar tendinitis depends on harm to the knee. Actions to decrease pain, like exercises or rest are usually the first line of therapy. The healthcare professional will usually suggest a span of rest, where they’ll prevent the individual from engaging.

Drugs and/or Medicines

The medical practitioner may prescribe drugs that are over-the-counter for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

These can consist of:

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

The healthcare professional may suggest using corticosteroid injection in the region around the patellar tendon if the individual’s symptoms are severe. This treatment is also effective in reducing pain that is acute.

Another treatment uses a low electrical charge to push it through the epidermis and corticosteroid by spreading the medicine for patellar tendinitis, a process known as iontophoresis.

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

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

If the patient’s symptoms are acute, even while resting, the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace then use crutches to avoid injury or additional damage to the tendon. If the individual has no painful symptoms, then they can start participating in a physical treatment activities.

A rehab program generally consists of:

• 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 might also help lessen pain when engaging in activities that are physical. The medical professional may develop a workout program that may incorporate a series of stretches and exercises.

Surgery

The physician may advise surgery to repair the patellar tendon when therapies are not effective in relieving symptoms associated with patellar tendinitis. Conventional surgery involves opening the knee to scratch the kneecap. More lately, arthroscopic surgery is used for this particular process. This surgical intervention involves making four small incisions in the knee and it has a shorter healing period.

The recovery period for operation varies per procedure. Some surgical intervention advise with a cast for immobilization. An immediate rehabilitation program is suggested by others. Regardless it’s essential for patients 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.

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