Associated symptoms

Inflammation of the tendon in the popliteal fossa primarily involves the five typical symptoms of inflammation: pain, redness, overheating, swelling and limited mobility of the popliteal fossa. The pain is most noticeable when the affected muscles are strained and is therefore more noticeable during physical exertion. The reddening and overheating of the popliteal fossa occurs primarily in acute tendonitis in the popliteal fossa.

In contrast, swelling and limited mobility can occur in both chronic and acute tendonitis. In many cases, the inflammation of the tendon also leads to reduced resilience of the affected muscles, resulting in a loss of strength in the leg. This results in an uneven gait pattern and reduced physical performance.

If such an inflammation of the tendon in the hollow of the knee lasts for a longer period of time, movement patterns can be incorrectly memorized, which can have an effect on neighboring joints. In the long run, the ankle and hip can also be damaged. Not infrequently, diseases of the musculature in the legs also lead to back pain.

Diagnosis

At the beginning of the symptoms, the first therapy should be carried out according to the PECH scheme (rest, ice, compression, elevation). The physical strain should be stopped immediately. The painful hollow of the knee can be cooled, a bandage is applied against swelling and the affected leg is raised.

Since cooling the hollow of the knee can temporarily relieve the pain, there is a risk of overloading the tendon again afterwards. Therefore one should strictly adhere to a load break. In the first few days you can also take anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication.

For the immobilization of the knee also a firm tape bandage or a supporting bandage can be put on. Once the initial symptoms have subsided, the application of heat is recommended instead of cold therapy. This improves the blood circulation and the metabolic activity of the muscles, so that the inflammation of the tendon can be better combated by the body.

Afterwards, a cautious exercise therapy can be started. In this case, heavy strain on the tendons in the hollow of the knee should be avoided. Instead, the first step is to establish full mobility in the hollow of the knee.

Under physiotherapeutic and medical observation, the load can be increased carefully as the therapy progresses. The focus is increasingly on strengthening the muscles. In rare cases, when the tendon inflammation has an infectious cause, antibiotic therapy may be necessary.