Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis may be described in terms of severity:

• Mild cases involve temporary pain that occurs only during or after activity.
• Moderate cases cause more constant pain during daily activities.
• Severe cases may involve chronic pain and even partial tearing of the tendon.

People with patellar tendonitis may notice the following:

• Discomfort, pain, tenderness, and swelling in the front part of the knee, especially when climbing stairs or rising from a chair.
• Redness around the knee joint in some cases.

Several factors may contribute to patellar tendonitis:

• Intense physical activity, such as sports or heavy labour, which puts stress on the patellar tendon.
• Tightness thigh and hamstring muscles, which increase strain on the tendon.
• Muscle imbalances in the leg, where some muscles are stronger than the others, due to leading to uneven pull in the tendon.
• Chronic health conditions, such as kidney failure, certain metabolic conditions (such as diabetes), or autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis) may cause the blood flow to the knee to be impaired, weaking the patellar tendon.
• Ageing related wear and tear of the knee joint, which makes the tendon more prone to injury.

Doctors use several methods to confirm the diagnosis:

• X-ray imaging are taken to rule out other bone-related issues that may cause knee pain.
• Ultrasound is used to look for small tears or bruises in the patellar tendon.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed for a comprehensive examination of the tendon and surrounding tissues to detect more serious injuries.

Treatments aim to provide pain relief, enhance healing, and restore knee joint function. These include:

• Stretching routines, physiotherapy, and specific strengthening exercises to improve knee joint flexibility and mobility and strengthen the tendon and its surrounding muscles.
• Use of a patellar tendon support strap to reduce stress
• Corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation and pain in some cases.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to promote healing in chronic cases.

Patients are advised to seek medical advice if:

• Knee pain persists despite rest and simple measures.
• Pain interferes with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sitting.
• Swelling, redness, or weakness around the knee does not improve.
• You suspect a more serious injury, such as a tear.

Certain habits and lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of patellar tendonitis:

• Warm up properly before exercise and cool down afterwards.
• Incorporate regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the legs.
• Avoid overtraining and gradually increase the intensity of sports or physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the knee joint.
• Use proper footwear that provides support during activity.

The following specialists may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patellar tendonitis:

• A general physician for initial evaluation.
• An orthopaedic doctor for specialised care and advanced treatment options.
• A physiotherapist for guided rehabilitation and exercise programmes.