تعريف
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the lower leg bone. Tendinopathy is an injury to the tendon. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. The injury can include:
- التهاب الأوتار – التهاب الوتر
- Tendinosis—tiny tears in the tendon tissue with no significant inflammation
العلاج يعتمد على شدة الإصابة.
أسباب
Tendinopathy is generally caused by overuse of a muscle-tendon unit. Over time, the strain on the tendon causes structural changes within the tendon.
Patellar tendinopathy occurs from overuse of the patellar tendon. Overuse may be caused by any activity that requires:
- Intense running
- Jumping
- Frequent stops and starts
- Frequent impact to the knee
- السقوط
- Tendon weakness from certain diseases
عوامل الخطر
Factors that increase your chance of developing patellar tendonopathy include:
- Being a physically active teenager or young adult
- An increase in the frequency of training
- A sudden increase in the intensity of training
- Changing from one sport to another
- Training on a hard surface
- Repeated improper movements while training
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
- Involvement in basketball, soccer, volleyball, or running
الأعراض
قد تشمل الأعراض ما يلي:
- Pain and tenderness in the patellar tendon below the kneecap
- Pain or tightness in the knee when bending, squatting, or straightening the leg
- Discomfort in the knee when jumping, squating, or walking up stairs
التشخيص
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Your doctor may recommend tests. Tests may include x-rays or an MRI.
العلاج
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Options include:
رعاية منزلية
To reduce pain and swelling:
- Avoid activity that causes pain. Reduce shock or vibrations to the knee.
- Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Place a towel between the ice pack and your skin.
- Wrap your injured knee in elastic bandaging. Don’t wrap the bandage too tight. It may cut off circulation.
- ارفع قدمك فوق قلبك.
الدواء
للمساعدة في إدارة الألم، قد يوصي طبيبك بما يلي:
- مسكنات الألم المتاحة دون وصفة طبية، مثل الأسيتامينوفين أو الأدوية المضادة للالتهابات غير الستيرويدية (NSAIDs)
- Topical pain medications that are applied to the skin
- مسكنات الألم الموصوفة طبيًا
Infra-patellar Strap
This strap, also called a counterforce brace, can help support the tendon and reduce pain. It is worn as a band just below the knee.
علاج بدني
Physical therapy will help:
- Stretch and condition the quadriceps muscle, which attaches to the patella
- Maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Improve balance and range of motion
Cortisone Injections
If the treatments above do not reduce inflammation, your doctor may recommend that you consider a cortisone injection. Keep in mind to avoid repeated cortisone injections.
جراحة
You may need surgery if you have advanced damage to the tendon. Your doctor may also recommend surgery if you have not responded to other treatment methods over a period of several months.
الوقاية
To reduce your chances of getting patellar tendinopathy, take these steps:
- Avoiding activities and sports that repeatedly stress the kneecaps, especially those that involve jumping.
- Learn proper jumping technique.
- Gradually increasing the frequency and intensity of exercise.
- Regularly doing quadriceps muscle stretching and strengthening exercises.