Knee Pain and Patellar Tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly known as jumper's knee or patellar tendinitis, is a prevalent condition characterized by pain and dysfunction in the patellar tendon, often affecting athletes and active individuals. Despite its prevalence, effective treatment strategies are essential for managing symptoms and facilitating a safe return to activity. There are several evidence-based approaches for treating and managing patellar tendinopathy, focusing on various interventions supported by research to decrease pain, promote healing, and improve function.
What is Patellar Tendinopathy?
In order to help manage this presentation, we need to understand what is the cause. Patellar tendinopathy can be categorized as an overuse injury and the repetitive stress on the patellar tendon can lead to microtrauma, inflammation, and structural changes within the tendon. Overuse, increasing load too quickly, training errors, and biomechanical factors can contribute to its development.
How do we manage patellar tendinopathy?
Eccentrics: Eccentric strengthening exercises have shown promising results in managing patellar tendinopathy. Research suggests that eccentric loading of the tendon can improve tendon structure, reduce pain, and enhance function. Eccentric exercises emphasize the declaration phase of the movement increasing the amount of time the tendon is being loaded, while lengthening.
Appropriate Progression: It's essential to gradually progress the intensity and volume of eccentric exercises to avoid exacerbating symptoms. Gradually building tendon resilience to ensure it can tolerate higher levels of impact and loading.
Movement Analysis: Assessing an individual's gait and lower limb biomechanics can help identify potential contributing factors to patellar tendinopathy. Addressing functional strength deficits, mobility deficits, and balance/coordination can assist in decreasing the risk of issues arising.
Soft Tissue and Joint Mobilization: Soft tissue mobilization can help reduce muscle tension and improve tissue extensibility while joint mobilization can improve the joints efficiency with movement.
Education: Empowering patients, coaches, and younger athlete’s parents with knowledge about this condition, including its causes, prognosis, and treatment options, is essential for promoting adherence to rehabilitation programs and modifying behaviors that contribute to injury recurrence.
Self-Management Strategies: Encouraging patients to engage in self-care practices such as adequate rest, proper nutrition, and activity modification can support the healing process and prevent overloading of the tendon during daily activities and sports participation.
Patellar tendinopathy can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are strategies for individuals looking to overcome pain and dysfunction. By implementing a comprehensive approach that includes load management, biomechanical correction, manual therapy, and patient education, healthcare professionals can effectively address the underlying factors contributing to patellar tendinopathy and facilitate a safe return to activity for their patients. As with any medical condition, individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
Our therapists at Physio Chicago are skilled in treating patellar tendinopathy and knee pain.
Give us a call if you are interested in learning more about how Physio Chicago can help manage your knee pain and patellar tendinopathy. Physio Chicago is conveniently located in Old Irving Park neighborhood on Chicago’s northside in close proximity to Irving Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Forest Glen, Albany Park, Avondale, Logan Square, Hermosa, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, Skokie, and Lincolnwood.
