The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (the patella) to the shinbone.
This is part of the “extensor mechanism” of the knee.
The patellar tendon, like othertendons, is made of tough, fibrous bands of tissue.
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The tendon is surrounded by a vascular tissue lining that provides nutrition to the tendon.
Patellar tendinosisis different from tendonitis in that it is a chronic condition.
Patellar tendinosis causes similar symptoms, but the treatment of this condition is different from that used for tendonitis.
Symptoms
Patellar tendonitis and tendinosis usually cause pain directly over the patellar tendon.
In these cases, the tendon is usually tender and swollen.
Movement of the knee may cause a crunching sensation calledcrepitusdirectly over the swollen tendon.
The other common symptom of patellar tendon problems is pain with activities, especially jumping or kneeling.
X-ray testsare usually performed to confirm there is no problem with the bones around the knee.
Occasionally, a calcium deposit may be seen, particularly in patients with chronic patellar tendinosis.
An MRI may be helpful to look for symptoms of inflammation or partial tears within the tendon.
Treatment
Treatment should be initiated once the proper diagnosis is confirmed by your healthcare provider.
If the problem is acute inflammation, treatment may include the following.
When the condition is chronic, treatment of inflammation is less likely to be helpful.
The focus of treatment for patellar tendonitis and tendinosis is physical therapy.
Eccentric exercises, in particular,may aid in treatment.
Some surgeons are also usingPRP injectionsfor the treatment of patellar tendonitis and tendinosis.
On some occasions, patients have persistent patellar tendonitis symptoms despite the measures mentioned above.
During surgery, this damaged tendon can be repaired.
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