Diagnosis | Tendinitis in the knee

Diagnosis

As is usually the case in medicine, a detailed consultation with a doctor is of crucial importance in the first instance in the case of tendonitis of the knee. It is the onset, course and character of the pain symptoms in particular that provides the doctor with groundbreaking information for further diagnosis. In addition, the physical examination and various movement tests are used to determine the exact location of the pain, so that the affected ligament or tendon can be identified. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint (MRI) can also be helpful to better assess the exact extent of the injury. This method is particularly well suited for imaging soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons or parts of the joint capsule.

Therapy

The treatment of a tendon inflammation of the knee consists mainly of sparing the affected joint. Since the cause of this clinical picture is usually overloading, a little rest and immobilization usually brings about an acute improvement in the pain symptoms. In addition, cooling compresses can also bring about a relief of the symptoms.

If there is an acute inflammation, taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac may also be useful. Local application of these substances as an ointment is also conceivable. Mechanical stabilization of the tendon from the outside can be achieved, for example, with a compressive bandage or a splint.

And last but not least, elevating the affected knee can also provide relief. The common tendon inflammation of the knee usually responds very well to this type of conservative treatment. After a few days, once the pain symptoms have improved, gentle movement units or physiotherapy should be started again slowly in order to restore full mobility to the knee.

Stretching exercises are also particularly suitable in this phase. An inflammation of the knee tendon should be cooled immediately after the onset of symptoms. This reduces the inflammatory reaction of the body, thereby relieving the pain and also counteracts severe swelling.

In addition, the leg should be elevated. A compression bandage can also be applied to combat the swelling.In the course of the healing process, the effects of heat applications are also becoming increasingly apparent. The heat relaxes the muscles, stimulates the blood circulation and thus the metabolism in the muscle.

Inflammatory defects of the tendons can thus be healed better by the body. In the context of tendon inflammation of the knee, physiotherapy is particularly useful if the causes of the disease are due to incorrect loading or incorrect movement sequences. In this case, patients can learn how to specifically avoid them in order to prevent a new tendon inflammation.

But also in general, physiotherapy is well suited for the gradual recovery of the full range of motion after tendonitis in most cases. In the case of acute pain, taking pain-relieving medication can improve the symptoms. It is advisable to take preferably those that also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

For example, ibuprofen or diclofenac are well suited for this. As an alternative to tablets, these can also be applied locally as an ointment or gel or even administered as suppositories. Taping of the knee can be used as a therapeutic measure in case of tendonitis.

A supporting tape bandage is recommended especially at the beginning of the symptoms. This relieves the affected tendon significantly, and the tape can also have a certain compressive effect so that swelling can be prevented. In the course of the therapy one should change to the elastic Kinesiotape.

This is applied over certain muscle groups in such a way that it supports their tension. In this way both the muscles and the corresponding tendons are less stressed. In case of tendonitis in the knee, homeopaths recommend different substances, depending on which component of the complaints is the most important.

For example, different substances are recommended for stiffness, pain, localization of the tendon inflammation and the cause and course of the event. In the case of tendonitis of the knee, various home remedies are suitable for relieving the symptoms. First of all, cooling agents should be used.

These include the simple cool pack and the ice pack. But cabbage or curd wraps can also be used for cooling. Because of their moisture, they require less cold to produce the same cooling effect and are easy to make.

In addition, cooling compresses can be soaked in apple vinegar, for example. This can also develop its anti-inflammatory effect. After some time, heat usually does the tendon inflammation better than cold.

Here too, household remedies are easy to use. So one can put for example a hot-water bottle or a cherry stone cushion on the muscle concerned and promote so the blood circulation and the metabolic activity. A likewise blood circulation-promoting effect can have an Einreibung with horse ointment or Franzbranntwein.

Peat balm packs can also revitalize the muscles, while at the same time having a relaxing effect and thus reducing the pressure on the inflamed tendon. Wraps with Rescue Spitz can be left on overnight. All home remedies should be used in combination with protection of the affected knee.