Patellar Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone becomes injured or inflamed.
Overuse and alignment problems of the knee structure can lead to irritation, strain, and injury. Along with inflammation, pain and swelling may accompany Patellar Tendonitis.
Patellar Tendonitis is a very common injury, especially among athletes or those who tend to repeat specific movements for long periods of time.
Many people who suffer from patellar tendonitis tend to return to their normal activity level as soon as their pain subsides. Returning to normal activity too soon can lead to inflammation of the area again as the original injury is aggravated, or it can lead to re-injury in the same area.
Patellar tendonitis occurs when repetitive stress is placed on the supporting structures of the knee. Overuse from repetitive sports movements is the most common reason why people suffer from this type of injury, but anyone may be affected by it.
The stress that is placed on the knee because of repetitive movement causes tears in the tendon to multiply, which causes pain, inflammation, and weakening of the tendon.
A patellar tendonitis injury can be the result of inappropriate footwear, overuse, improper sports training, running, jumping, or rising from a deep squat.
At first, pain from a patellar tendonitis injury may be sporadic, only occurring right after a sport or exercise activity. As the tendon becomes more damaged, the pain often becomes progressively worse. With time, the pain can begin to interfere with athletic performance, as well as daily life.
The pain may be felt just below the patella, right where the tendon attaches to the kneecap. The pain is often the most notable with movement or when in the kneeling position. The more the knee is moved, the more tenderness that will develop.
There may also be swelling in and around the tendon, which can be very sensitive to the touch. The feeling of warmth or burning pain is not uncommon, and the pain can be anywhere from very mild to severe.
Tendonitis symptoms can mimic other serious conditions, so the very first step to treatment is confirming the diagnosis.
Diagnosis begins with a complete medical history and physical exam. The Chiropractors at Florida Spine and Injury will ask a series of questions to help determine the cause of your pain. Your history alone may lead the doctor to suspect a patellar tendonitis injury. However, a physical exam will always be completed before any diagnosis is confirmed.
Your chiropractor will feel around the knee, particularly along the patellar tendon to determine the exact location of your pain. They will look for flexibility of the joint, alignment, foot position, how you stand, walk, squat, or jump. They will want to check the strength and lengths of the muscles that surround the affected knee joint such as the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and buttocks muscles.
These muscles, if weak or tight, may be contributing factors to the force that is applied to the knee joint, and be a reason why patellar tendonitis is developing.
Once the physical exam is complete, and patellar tendonitis is the diagnosis, the chiropractor will come up with a specialized treatment plan that is tailored to the patient's specific recovery needs. The core of this treatment will be designed to treat the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
Depending upon the injury and how inflamed the area may be, the chiropractor may suggest inflammation reducing techniques as part of the treatment plan. These techniques may include rest from the sport or activity that was a contributing factor to the injury, ice, or electrical muscle stimulation. These therapies will help to loosen the tendon and reduce inflammation so treatment can progress.
When the inflammation is under control, the chiropractor may suggest massage therapy, physical therapy, strengthening exercises, or joint manipulation along with the chiropractic adjustments.
Correction of a patellar tendon injury is achievable with chiropractic care. It's important to seek treatment early on before the injury has a chance to become worse. It is also advised that you follow the chiropractors treatment plan if you want to receive optimal recovery. Returning to your sporting activity too soon or not adhering to the stipulations set aside in your care plan, could prolong treatment, or even worse, increase your pain.
If you believe you are suffering from patellar tendonitis, so not wait to contact an experienced Chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis is just one of the many things chiropractors treat, schedule a free consultation for your pain today.
The Chiropractors at Florida Spine and Injury can help with your recovery. Click the link below to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Chiropractors today.