Patellar tendonitis, or "jumper's knee," is an injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This injury is most commonly observed in athletes of sports that require frequent jumping, such as jumpers, volleyball players, or basketball players.
Patellar Tendonitis: Benefits of Treatment at Top Ihilov Clinic
The orthopedic specialists at Top Ihilov Clinic typically begin treatment for patellar tendonitis with non-surgical methods.
- Pain relievers
- Physical therapy: stretching and strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles
- Wrapping a special strap around the kneecap to reduce stress on the knee
- Iontophoresis - the introduction of medicinal substances into the human body using a constant galvanic current
However, if all these methods prove ineffective, the doctors at Top Ihilov Clinic move on to more aggressive treatments:
- Corticosteroid injections around the tendon can relieve pain, but they also weaken the tendon and may lead to its rupture.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections are intended to promote the creation of new tissue and the healing of the tendon.
- In exceptional cases, when all these conservative treatment methods have failed, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Patellar Tendonitis: Diagnosis at Top Ihilov Clinic
When patellar tendonitis occurs, pain in the knee arises that does not subside even after physical activity stops. In this case, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic doctor. The specialists at Top Ihilov Clinic, which is well-equipped with all necessary diagnostic equipment, may recommend the following examinations:
- X-ray: although this test will not show problems with the patellar tendon, it will help rule out other possible issues as causes of knee pain, such as bone diseases.
- Ultrasound shows tears in the patellar tendon.
- MRI detects more subtle changes in the tendon that cannot be identified with ultrasound.