Tendon Injuries

Tendon Injuries
Knee tendon injuries range from tendinitis (inflammation
of a tendon) to a ruptured (torn) tendon. If a person overuses
a tendon during certain activities such as dancing, cycling,
or running, the tendon stretches and becomes inflamed. Tendinitis
of the patellar tendon is sometimes called jumper’s
knee because in sports that require jumping, such as basketball,
the muscle contraction and force of hitting the ground
after a jump strain the tendon. After repeated stress, the tendon
may become inflamed or tear.
Symptoms
People with tendinitis often have tenderness at the point
where the patellar tendon meets the bone. In addition, they
may feel pain during running, hurried walking, or jumping.
A complete rupture of the quadriceps or patellar tendon is
not only painful, but also makes it difficult for a person to
bend, extend, or lift the leg against gravity.
Diagnosis
If there is not much swelling, the doctor will be able to feel a
defect in the tendon near the tear during a physical examination.
An x ray will show that the patella is lower than normal
in a quadriceps tendon tear and higher than normal in a
patellar tendon tear. The doctor may use an MRI to confirm
a partial or total tear.
Treatment
Initially, the treatment for tendinitis involves rest, elevating
the knee, applying ice, and taking NSAID medications such
as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain and decrease inflammation
and swelling. A series of rehabilitation exercises is
also useful. If the quadriceps or patellar tendon is completely
ruptured, a surgeon will reattach the ends. After surgery, a
cast is worn for 3 to 6 weeks and crutches are used. For a partial
tear, the doctor might apply a cast without performing
surgery.
Rehabilitating a partial or complete tear of a tendon requires
an exercise program that is similar to but less vigorous than
that prescribed for ligament injuries. The goals of exercise
are to restore the ability to bend and straighten the knee and
to strengthen the leg to prevent repeat injury. A rehabilitation
program may last 6 months, although people can return to
many activities before then.