Patellar tendinopathy is a tendon injury that connects the patella with the shinbone. The patellar tendon works in tandem with the muscles in front of the thigh in order to spread the knees so that it can be possible to kick, run and jump.
Overstressing of the patella tendon results in patellar, this can occur during jumping and or when you land heavily.
Athletes that participate in a sport that involves frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball are mostly prone to patellar tendinopathy. However, patellar tendinopathy can also affect individuals who do not engage in sports that involve jumping.
The medical term used to describe the kneecap is the patella, and the kneecap is connected with the shinbone by the patella tendon.
In the event that an individual applies additional stress to a tendon, this can lead to the development of tiny tears in the tissues. This results in inflammation, but it takes little time for the injury to be healed. However, repeated strains can cause the tears to develop faster than the body can repair.
Patellar tendinopathy is gradually developing. The condition becomes more serious every time the tendon is overstressed, so it is necessary to rest your knee after each injury as this will give the body time to heal.
What are the Causes of Patellar Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy occurs as a result of excessive use and it is caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon. This stress causes tiny tears in the tendon, which the body makes an attempt to repair itself. However, as the tears in the tendon increases, it results in pain due to inflammation and weakening of the tendon.
Risk Factors
Below are some factors which have been found to contribute to the development of patellar tendinopathy:
1. Physical activity. Running and jumping are usually associated with patellar tendinopathy. A sudden increase in the strength or frequency of activity increases stress on the tendon as well as changing the shoes you put on when you are running.
2. Tight leg muscles. Strains on the patellar tendon can be increased by tight thigh muscles (quadriceps) and hamstrings which run up the back of the thigh.
3. Muscular imbalance. In the event that there are some muscles in the leg which are much stronger than others, this can make the stronger muscles to pull harder on the patellar tendon. This uneven pull can lead to patellar tendinopathy.
4. Chronic illness. Some diseases disturb the rate at which blood flows to the knee, weakening the tendon. Examples of such diseases include kidney failure, autoimmune diseases for example lupus or rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
What are the Symptoms of Patellar Tendinopathy?
The first symptoms of patellar tendinopathy are pain and tenderness under the kneecap. There can also be swelling and burning sensation in the patella.
Initially, pain can be random, appear only after sports or physical activity. As the tendon becomes damaged, the pain may become worse. This can interfere with any sports activity as well as everyday activities such as climbing stairs or sitting in a car.
Patellar Tendinopathy Treatment
Treatment for Patellar Tendinopathy requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your knee to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
