What helps against patellar tendon irritation?

If the patellar tendon is irritated, anti-inflammatory drugs, so-called non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are prescribed first. The drugs must be taken for several days, but if they are to be taken over a longer period of time, a doctor must be consulted. In the case of very severe inflammation or chronic cases, the doctor may also inject cortisone directly into the affected tendon using an ultrasound machine.

Cortisone has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, but the injections carry a certain risk, as the tendon can become susceptible to tears. The use of pain-relieving creams, such as Diclofenac, is not particularly well suited for tendon inflammation, as the tendon is not supplied with blood and the active substance can only penetrate poorly. The most important measures in case of patellar tendon irritation are protection of the knee, cold and heat therapy and regular exercises for mobilization.

It is very important to immobilize the diseased knee and stop all activities that cause pain, otherwise the inflammation can become chronic or the tendon can tear. Runners and athletes must take a break and after the inflammation has subsided, they may only slowly start training again. If the inflammation is acute, the tendon should be cooled with ice packs and cold compresses to reduce swelling and redness.

After one or two days, heat promotes the healing of the inflammation. Physiotherapy and physiotherapy support the healing process with specific exercises for mobilization and stretching. Knee straps and knee bandages relieve the tendon and thus ease the pain.

Kinesio-Taping also has a stabilizing and supporting effect on the knee joint. A surgical intervention is only rarely necessary and is usually only used in the case of a rupture of the patella tendon. To relieve the pain and to accelerate the healing of a patellar tendon irritation, the affected knee can be fixed with Kinesio-Taping.

The elastic tape is applied directly to the skin of the thigh muscle and kneecap and supports the body’s own healing process. Normally, the tape remains stuck to the diseased knee joint for four to seven days. The tape can either be applied by yourself or by a physiotherapist.

An orthopedic bandage is prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon to treat patellar tendon irritation. It is important that the bandage is the correct size, as it must not be too tight and must not cut or slip. The bandage stabilizes the knee joint and relieves the patella tendon, allowing the inflammation to heal at rest without putting too much strain on the knee.

An example of such a bandage is the patella tendon bandage. Due to weak muscles, the patellar tendon is stretched even more and must therefore withstand greater strain. Regular and constant stretching of the leg muscles promotes muscle growth and thus reduces the strain on the patella tendon.

Stretching of the thigh muscles (anterior quadriceps, posterior thigh biceps) and calves should not cause severe pain but only slight pulling. Even if the symptoms of patellar tendon irritation have disappeared, regular stretching can help prevent a relapse. Patellar tendon irritation is an unpleasant disease, but usually heals quickly.

The best home remedy to speed up the healing process is as much rest as possible for the affected knee and a bandage to relieve the strain. In addition, the knee can be cooled during the first few days to reduce the swelling and pain. After two days at the latest, the inflamed tendon should then be warmed with hot-water bottles or infrared radiation to stimulate healing.