Patella Tendinopathy, impacts the Patella tendon, which connects your quadricep to your shin bone via your patella (kneecap). This tendon is crucial for straightening your knee. Its made mostly of tough collagen fibres and stays healthy thanks to cells called tenocytes that help keep the tendon strong and flexible. Pain from the patella tendinopathy is typically felt at the inferior pole (base) of the patella, which is just below the kneecap. This pain is often triggered by activities that put stress on the knee extensor muscles such as jumping, running, or squatting. The discomfort usually worsens with increased loading or intensity of these activities. As a result, you may experience more pain during or after activities that heavily involve the knee, but find relief when you reduce the activity or take a break.
Reactive Tendinopathy: Acute overload leads to tendon thickening and increased tenocyte activity. Pain occurs with sudden or excessive loading.
Tendon Disrepair: Persistent overload causes matrix breakdown and disorganisation. Pain persists in chronically overloaded tendons.
Degenerative Tendinopathy: In advanced stages, there is cell death and serve matrix disorganisation. This stage is common in older individuals.
Symptoms:
- Pain just below the kneecap, often worsened by activities like jumping, running, or squatting.
- Tenderness at the base of the kneecap.
- Swelling or a feeling of stiffness in the knee.
Causes:
- Repetitive stress or overuse, especially from activities involving frequent jumping or running.
- Poor biomechanics or alignment issues that place additional stress on the tendon.
- Muscle imbalances or weakness in the quadriceps or hamstrings.
Diagnosis:
- A healthcare provider will typically assess symptoms through physical examination and may use imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the extent of the tendon damage.
Treatment:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that exacerbate symptoms to allow healing.
- Ice and Elevation: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, as well as stretching and improving flexibility.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help manage pain and inflammation.
- Eccentric Exercises: Specific exercises that involve lengthening the tendon while under tension, which can be effective in treating tendinopathy.
- Bracing or Taping: Using a patellar tendon strap or taping techniques to reduce strain on the tendon.
- Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be considered to promote healing.
Prevention:
- Gradually increasing the intensity and volume of activity to avoid overuse.
- Ensuring proper technique and equipment during sports or exercise.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises to maintain balanced muscle function around the knee.
If you suspect you have patella tendinopathy, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Contact us or book online today to get your knee pain back under control!
J. Press
Physiotherapist