Stages of inflammation
Patellar tendonitis can be divided into three stages.
- Stage I : The complaints only exist after sports activities. Affected persons are still able to finish their training sessions and have no anatomical changes like bow legs or knock-knees.
No injuries or changes are visible on the tendon. This is a reversible condition.
- Stage II : Already at the beginning of the training, the pain sets in, the tendon is swollen and cell infiltrates with signs of inflammation in the synovial fluid of the knee appear. This stage is also reversible after the inflammation has been treated
- Stage III: The pain is permanent and irreversible, the tendon is severely inflamed and begins to tear. From this stage on, the tendon suffers permanent damage. Once the inflammation has subsided, it will not regain its typical elasticity and the risk of chronicity is very high.
Patellar Tip Syndrome
In patellar tendinitis, severe knee pain is caused by chronic overloading of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint. This is caused by a frequently recurring tensile stress that is unusual for the knee, such as that which occurs particularly in jumping sports. That is why the name “Jumper ́s Knee” is also a synonym for patellar tendon syndrome.
In patients suffering from patellar tendinitis, movement causes very small injuries to the tendon, which lead to inflammation and pain. The incidence of patellar tendinitis also increases with age, as the fibers and structures in the tendons change with age and become more susceptible to injury.Beginners in particular are at risk of developing the symptoms described above if they start training unprepared and too exuberantly and quickly put unaccustomed stress on the knee. Patellar tip syndrome is usually treated conservatively.
The most important thing is to stop the triggering strain for at least 6 weeks. After that, the load can slowly be regained. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be taken.
You can find more information about patellar tip syndrome here. The most important measure in therapy for an inflammation of the patellar tendon is to protect the affected knee joint. Sport should only be done in the pain-free area and should best be paused completely at the beginning and slowly increased again after a few weeks.
In order to keep the strain during running low, routes with many curves, ascents or uneven surfaces should be avoided. In addition, exercise therapy in the form of physiotherapy can help to relieve the tendon again and to get used to adequate strain. Cold treatments and special exercises can also relieve the pain.
In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. These have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. However, the side effects of prolonged use of these drugs should be considered and prophylaxis may be taken, especially to prevent the frequent complications in the gastrointestinal tract.
