Patella Tendonitis Treatment in Chillicothe, OH
Your knee is one of the largest joints in your body and also one of your body’s weight-bearing joints. It plays a major role in your mobility. As a hinge joint, it allows your leg to extend and bend back and forth with minimal rotation.
The importance of your knee means that any knee injury will have an impact on your lifestyle and well-being. This includes patella tendonitis, aka patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee, which is an inflammation of the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shin bone.
Patellar Tendon Anatomy
The knee is formed by the lower end of the femur (thigh bone), the upper end of the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap), which protects the knee joint. In addition to bones, your knee also includes cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Tendons are fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone.
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is actually a ligament because it connects bone to bone. It works with the muscles and tendons in your quadriceps to enable you to straighten your leg.
Patella Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) Causes
Although it is called jumper’s knee, patella tendonitis (inflammation) can have many causes, including the following:
- Too much activity involving the knee (this can include running and jumping)
- Muscle imbalance in your leg
- Illness or disease
- Body composition
Patella Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) Symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom of patella tendonitis. This can occur during physical activity as well as when bending or straightening your leg. Other symptoms may include the following:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Aching and stiffness after exercise
If you are experiencing knee pain, you should contact Dr. Cohen’s office immediately. A delay in medical care can result in unnecessary pain and may exacerbate the injury.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen utilizes the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state of the art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience help ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Patella Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) Diagnosis
Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will obtain a complete “history of present illness” from you and will ask you about your injury to aid in the diagnosis of your patella tendonitis. They will then conduct a focused, comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your knee for areas of tenderness, assess stability and range of motion and establish if you have normal or decreased strength. Depending on the findings they may order an ultrasound or MRI to look at the tendon for abnormalities.
Patella Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) Treatment Options
Patella tendonitis treatment depends on its severity.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Patella tendonitis may be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment includes:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cryotherapy
- Ice
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Modification of activities
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
If nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve symptoms of patella tendonitis, surgery may be necessary. Any surgical treatment will depend on your condition as well as your health and lifestyle.
Dr. Cohen may choose to use arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally surgery that uses tiny surgical tools inserted through small incisions around the knee area. Dr. Cohen uses the arthroscope to look inside the knee to perform the procedure.
Tissue debridement and release via arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat patella tendonitis.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are suffering from knee pain, schedule a personal consultation with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Cohen by calling or emailing his office today. Dr. Cohen has extensive knee pain treatment experience. He can diagnose your condition and help you learn more about your knee pain treatment options.
