Knee tendonitis, also known as patellar tendonitis, is
an inflammation of the tendons in the knee area. This
inflammation may lead to weakening and later rupture of
these tendons. Patellar tendonitis can occur as a result
of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses
elasticity. Overuse is the most common cause of knee
tendonitis. People beginning an exercise program or
increase their level of exercise can experience symptoms
of patellar tendonitis. The tendons in the knee are
unaccustomed to the new level of demand, and this
overuse will cause an inflammation and tendonitis.
Patellar tendinitis is simply the inflammation of the
tendons connecting muscle to bone in the knee. Patellar
tendonitis can be caused by a number of factors. Some of
the more common factors associated with knee tendonitis
include:
_ A sudden increase in the intensity of training.
_ A rapid increase in the frequency of training.
_ Repeated training on rigid surfaces.
_ Genetic abnormalities.
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knee Tendonitis
A
tendon is a tough yet flexible band of fibrous tissue.
The tendon connects muscle to the bone. When a tendon
becomes inflamed, movement will become painful. This
condition is called tendonitis, which literally means
inflammation of the tendon.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include:
_ Pain, tenderness and swelling along the tendon,
usually in proximity to the knee joint.
_ Pain that worsens with movement or activity.
_ Knee pain at night.
_ Stiffness after exercise involving the knee.
_ Pain associated with knee movement.
The goal of patellar tendonitis treatment is to relieve
pain and reduce knee inflammation. Often, rest, ice and
home care pain relievers are all that's needed.The goals
of patellar tendonitis treatment and knee rehabilitation
include;
_ Protection of the injured tissues to allow healing and
to control the early inflammatory phase.
_ Ice packs or ice massage.
_ Rehabilitate flexibility, strength, proprioception,
and muscle imbalance, and control physical activities
with the aid of taping and splinting.
_ Non-impact aerobic conditioning, flexibility training
and strengthening exercises.
_ Return to full activity as patellar tendonitis
symptoms allow.
The goal of rehabilitation should be designed to
decrease the symptoms, strengthen the muscles of
the knee region and improve knee flexibility. The person
with patellar tendonitis must return to sports activity
carefully and slowly. Criteria for resuming full
physical activity should be based on function, not time.
Inflammation can also be treated with nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Advil.
These medications can be helpful treatments for patellar
tendinitis but do have side effects. Side effects of
these medications can include stomach upset and bleeding
problems.
Your doctor might suggest treating your patellar
tendonitis with steroid drug injections. Injections of
cortisone reduce inflammation and can help ease knee
pain. However, this knee tendonitis treatment should be
used with great care because repeated injections may
weaken the tendon or cause undesirable side effects.
Cortisone injections can also increase your risk of
rupturing a knee tendon.
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of Knee Tendonitis Pain for Good
Prevention is the best treatment for patellar tendinitis.
The key to avoiding problems such as knee tendonitis is
to slowly increase the intensity of your exercise, vary
the types of activities you perform, and try not to
cycle between periods of activity and inactivity. Follow
these guidelines to prevent patellar tendonitis or
prevent the recurrence of knee tendonitis:
_ Do not train hard when muscles are stiff from a
previous workout.
_ Introduce new activities or new training levels
gradually.
_ Allow ample warming up and cooling off time.
_ When competing, check courses beforehand.
_ Train on a variety of surfaces.
_ Using proper footwear.
_ Monitor yourself daily for signs of fatigue. If
fatigued, give yourself a break for the day.
Proper conditioning should include aerobic fitness,
strength training, and flexibility training.
Flexibility is very important in preventing overuse
injuries such as knee tendinitis.
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