Inflammation of the patella tendon

A detailed anamnesis (patient interview) with special attention to sports and occupational stress can play an important role in the diagnosis of patellar tendon disease. An examination of the knee can then trigger a pressure pain at the lower edge of the patella. Pain when the knee is stretched against resistance reinforces the suspicion. To confirm the diagnosis of a patellar tip syndrome or similar, an ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance tomography) can be performed.

Therapy

In case of diseases of the patellar tendon, stress on the knee joint should be avoided at first. For this reason, the sport causing the symptoms should be paused for a sufficiently long time. It helps to keep the knee joint as still as possible.

If the pain is severe, painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen can be taken. The local application of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory ointments such as DiclofenacVoltaren can also help. Cooling often helps with acute pain after sport, and in the further course of the disease, muscle building with the help of physiotherapy can be helpful.

Injections of glucocorticoids (cortisol) and local anesthetics should be carefully considered because of the increased risk of tearing the patellar tendon. In addition, invasive measures always involve a risk of infection. Stabilization by means of an elastic band or taping can help to slightly reduce the load on the knee during sports. In the case of long-lasting complaints and severe damage, surgery may also be advisable.

Prognosis

The prognosis of diseases of the patellar tendon is favorable with consistent and early treatment. In the event of very frequent recurrence of complaints and inadequate treatment, it may be necessary to switch to a sport with less strain on the patellar tendon (e.g. swimming, cycling).

Prophylaxis

In order to avoid unnecessarily heavy strain on the patellar tendon, some principles should be followed. For running sports, suitable footwear with as much cushioning as possible should be worn. Also, if the problem is known, a soft floor should be preferred to hard concrete.

When starting a new sport, the intensity should be slow and adapted to progress. This also and especially applies to restarting after a break in training (e.g. due to injury), as the strain is often underestimated. Peak loads should be minimized, especially in sports with jumps. Before the training a sufficient warming up should take place, in addition the leg musculature should be strengthened and stretched after the training.