Patellar Tendinitis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors use imaging tools to diagnose problems with the patellar tendon and nearby structures. X-rays show bone changes and help rule out other causes of knee pain, like fractures.
Ultrasound creates real-time images and highlights injuries such as tears within the patellar tendon. MRI scans provide detailed pictures of the knee, allowing doctors to see changes in the tendon or other soft tissues and assess inflammation.
Additional Details for Understanding
During a physical exam, doctors check for tenderness just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. They look for swelling, pain with movement, and muscle weakness from overuse or repetitive jumping.
These findings help doctors identify possible patellar tendonitis, especially in athletes.
Treatment
Pain Medicine Choices
Doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, to ease pain from patellar tendonitis. These medicines provide short-term relief but do not speed up healing.
Medication | How It Helps |
---|---|
Ibuprofen | Reduces pain and swelling |
Naproxen sodium | Eases pain and reduces swelling |
Overusing NSAIDs may cause side effects, so patients should use them only as directed.
Physical Therapy and Support Options
Physical therapy plays a key role in treatment. Stretching exercises help reduce stiffness and improve movement.
Strengthening the thigh and leg muscles helps take pressure off the tendon. A patellar tendon strap or brace can provide gentle pressure below the knee, spreading force away from the sore area.
Doctors may use iontophoresis, which involves applying medicine to the skin and using a small electric current to help it reach the tissues. This method is mainly for cases with significant swelling or pain.
Key Therapy Steps
- Gentle stretching (no bouncing)
- Slow leg extensions
- Leg presses to work all leg muscles
- Patellar straps for extra support
- Iontophoresis if pain is severe
Medical Procedures and Surgical Options
When simple treatments do not help, doctors may try other methods. They may inject corticosteroids around the tendon to lower pain, but this can weaken the tendon.
Platelet-rich plasma injections are being studied for their ability to help new tissue form in the tendon. An oscillating needle procedure uses ultrasound guidance so doctors can remove damaged tendon tissue with a tiny needle while leaving healthy tissue intact.
In rare cases, doctors may perform surgery to remove damaged tendon parts. Some surgeries use small openings, which can help with recovery.
Self-Care
Home care can help recovery and reduce discomfort. Rest is important, so patients should avoid activities that make the pain worse, such as sports or stairs.
Step | Purpose |
---|---|
Rest | Supports healing |
Ice | Reduces pain and swelling |
Pain relievers | Eases discomfort |
Switching to gentler activities protects the tendon. Using ice packs after painful activities reduces swelling and soreness.
Wrap ice in a towel to protect the skin or use an ice massage by rubbing a cup of frozen water on the sore area.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
Preparation can make your appointment more helpful. Here are some actions to consider:
Make a list of your symptoms. Write down when the knee pain started and how it changes.
Note your medical history. Include other health issues, medicines, and supplements.
Track your daily activities. Record how often and how hard you exercise or play sports. Note any recent changes, like starting new activities, increasing intensity, or switching shoes.
Mention any recent injuries. Write details about accidents or events that could have hurt your knee.
Prepare a list of questions. Planning ahead helps you remember to ask important things. For example:
Example Question | Purpose |
What could be causing my pain? | Understand diagnosis |
Are any tests needed? | Plan next steps |
What treatments are suggested? | Learn options |
Will I be able to return to sports? | Set recovery expectations |
What safe activities can I do now? | Protect knee during healing |
Are there self-care tips I should know? | Manage symptoms at home |
Should I see a specialist? | Get expert advice if needed |
Having these notes and questions ready can make your visit smoother and more productive.
Questions Your Healthnile Doctor May Ask
The doctor or specialist will likely ask about how your pain has changed over time. They may also want to know if the pain is getting worse.
They might ask when you feel the pain—before, during, or after activity, or all the time. The doctor may ask if your knee swells, locks, or sometimes feels like it might give out.
You may need to describe whether your symptoms make it hard to walk upstairs or exercise. The doctor could ask what home treatments you have tried and if any have helped.