What is patellar tendinitis? Importance of correct treatment

Patellar tendonitis is a common injury in athletes, can often be disabling and affect the performance of daily activities. The guidelines that can help prevent and avoid its appearance are explained below.

What is patellar tendonitis and why does it occur?

Patellar tendinitis is an injury located in the patellar tendon., that is, in the tendon that serves as a connector between the kneecap and the tibia. Typically, it is caused by repetitive stress on this tendon, which causes inflammation.

Although the aforementioned is the most common cause, there are different factors that can cause its appearance, for example, muscle tension in the quadriceps muscles or the hamstring muscles.

Its appearance is more common in patients with previous pathologies., such as diseases that interrupt blood flow to the knee or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Also, it is a common injury in diabetic people.

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Difference between patellar tendinitis and patellar tendinopathy

Both terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't actually mean the same thing. Patellar tendinitis is part of an inflammatory process affecting the tendon, while patellar tendinopathy encompasses certain structural and degenerative changes that appear when this problem persists over time.

In advanced or prolonged stages, the tendon ceases to be acutely inflamed and begins to show alterations in its fibers. Therefore, the more appropriate term in this case is patellar tendinopathy, as it encompasses symptoms such as fiber loss and thickening or a decrease in its regenerative capacity. This distinction is important, as it guides the course of treatment and explains why some patients do not improve with rest or anti-inflammatory medication alone.

What types of patellar tendonitis exist?

Depending on the characteristics of the inflammation of the patellar tendon, There are different types of patellar tendonitis, the most common are the following: first of all, proximal patellar tendinopathy which is usually caused by wear and tear of the tendon.

In second place, Distal patellar tendinopathyIn this case, the cause of inflammation is related to the existence of calcifications.

And finally, tendon neovascularization. This type is the most complex and is characterized by the creation of new vessels and nerve endings, which cause pain.

Risk factors for patellar tendinitis

The onset of patellar tendinitis is usually linked to a combination of different risk factors, such as overuse of the tendon, sudden changes in movement intensity, and a lack of muscle preparation before training.

In addition, muscle imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings, incorrect sports technique, or biomechanical gait abnormalities can increase stress on the patellar tendon. Although less common, systemic conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases can contribute to its development and hinder recovery.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis

The symptoms of patellar tendinitis usually appear when the inflammation is already established in the joint.. At first, the patient usually experiences pain after performing physical activities or exertion. However, if the inflammation progresses, the pain appears with the practice of daily activities, which usually means difficulty performing basic movements.

In addition, inflammation may appear in the knee area. In many cases, the patient has stiffness in the joint or weakness in the leg.

Diagnosis of patellar tendonitis

For a correct diagnosis of patellar tendonitis, it is important to see a specialist upon the appearance of symptoms, such as pain or inflammation. First, a palpation of the area will be performed to detect the existence of calcifications.

Depending on what the doctor observes during palpation, In most cases, complementary imaging tests are usually necessary to prescribe treatment.. Some of these tests are, for example, magnetic resonance imaging, through which changes in the tendon can be observed. Also, x-rays to locate bone problems, or ultrasounds that allow tendon tears to be observed.

Patellar tendinitis treatment

Regarding the treatment of patellar tendonitis, it is important that it is administered correctly and according to the characteristics of the patient, to prevent the injury from becoming chronic.

First of all, a period of rest is usually recommended, With the aim that the patient does not make sudden movements with the joint, anti-inflammatories are also prescribed and the application of ice to the area is recommended to reduce inflammation.

This injury can be treated with physiotherapy, through muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, which will reduce the tension on the patellar tendon.

In cases where these treatments do not present the desired results, more complex treatments will be carried out.. For example, intratendinous infiltrations, in which a substance is infiltrated that promotes healing and recovery of the tendon. Also, the infiltration of stem cells is carried out to prevent the formation of neovascularizers and, thus, avoid pain.

In recent years, biological cell therapies have been carried out, which are applied so that the tendon recovers its own healing mechanisms that, as a result of the injury, it has lost.

In more serious cases, surgery is sometimes necessary.. Generally, they are surgeries that are performed arthroscopically, through small incisions. In them, tendon adhesions are eliminated, which may be causing pain in the patient.

Patellar tendinitis recovery time

The recovery time for patellar tendinitis depends on the severity and type of injury, as well as how quickly treatment begins. If the correct treatment plan is started promptly, progressive improvement can be expected within a few weeks.

In more advanced or chronic cases, recovery can take several months and require ongoing monitoring, given the complexity of the condition. Adherence to treatment, adjustments to physical activity, and load management are key to an effective recovery.

Progression of patellar tendinitis if left untreated

If left undiagnosed and untreated, patellar tendinitis can progress. The pain, which may initially appear after exercise, can become constant and increasingly limit the patient's daily activities.

Over time, the tendon can lose load-bearing capacity and elasticity, running the risk of suffering partial or complete ruptures, also becoming exposed to the pain becoming chronic, generating compensations in other structures of the knee that impair recovery.

How to prevent the appearance of patellar tendonitis

In the case of patients with previous pathologies, the appearance of patellar tendonitis is difficult to prevent. However, in patients with a good general condition, there are certain guidelines that can prevent its appearance.

First, correct bad posture, which involve forced positions for the knee, when exercising. To do this, it may be advisable to use orthopedic insoles, always prescribed by a specialist.

Wearing appropriate footwear is important to avoid these types of injuries. What is recommended is good quality footwear that fits the foot and has the appropriate width. As far as possible, avoid wearing pointed or high-heeled shoes.

When playing sports, it is important to wear shoes suitable for each step. That's why, It is recommended to carry out a biomechanical study of the footprint, which provides information about the type of footprint and, thus, use the appropriate shoes.

When to see a specialist for patellar tendon pain

When knee pain persists beyond rest or recurs with physical activity, it is advisable to consult a specialist, as a professional evaluation is necessary if the pain increases over time, inflammation appears, or there is difficulty performing everyday movements.

As has been seen, it is important to go to a specialist when pain or inflammation appears in the knee, for a correct diagnosis. It is important to follow the treatment regularly, to prevent the pain from becoming chronic and directly affecting the patient's quality of life.