Introduction
The patellar tendon (kneecap tendon) connects the large thigh muscle, the Musculus Quadriceps Femoris, with the tibia via the kneecap and thus plays an important role in the stabilization and mobility of the knee joint. Together with the kneecap, which increases the leverage of the thigh muscle, the patellar tendon enables the extension movement of the lower leg. Therefore, incorrect or excessive strain on the knee can easily lead to irritation and inflammation of the patellar tendon, which is associated with severe knee pain and restricted movement.
Cause
The most common cause of inflammation of the patellar tendon is incorrect or overloading, resulting in irritation of the tendon. Especially sports that involve frequent start and stop movements, landings after jumps and sudden changes of direction put the patella tendon under heavy strain. The patella tendon is permanently stressed when running.
In addition, permanent overloading can lead to the so-called patella tip syndrome. This is a disease of wear and tear that causes chronic irritation of the patella tendon at the transition between tendon and bone. Other causes that can lead to an inflammation of the patellar tendon Footwear, incorrect technique during sports, anatomical defect (bow legs, knock-knees, dysmetria of the legs), too hard a running surface (for example asphalt) or muscular imbalance.
Symptoms
Pain at the lower end of the patella tendon is typical for an inflammation of the patella tendon. Mostly the pain occurs on one side only, only in about 20% of all cases both knees are affected. Depending on the progression of the inflammation, the pain can occur only after a training session, during training or even in everyday life or at rest. Above all, the stretching movement in the knee hurts. If the patella tendon is completely torn or more severely damaged, the lower leg can no longer be extended at all.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination of the affected knee is at the forefront of the diagnosis. The knee is examined by the attending physician for redness, swelling, restricted mobility and pressure pain. Painful pressure below the kneecap and pain when stretching the leg against resistance is noticeable.
Imaging procedures such as ultrasound or an MRI of the knee can confirm the diagnosis. MRI of the knee is particularly suitable for determining the extent of the inflammation and possible damage to the tendon, as this procedure can detect active inflammation. Accompanying tears, tears or partial tears of the patella tendon can also be detected by MRI. An X-ray examination can also be useful to rule out a possible bone fracture. The precise assessment of the extent of the inflammation by the imaging procedures is very important, as this influences the course of therapy.
