Tendonitis of the patellar ligament on the left. "Jumper's knee" or tendonitis of the patellar tendon. How to treat tendonitis of the patellar ligament

Our knees can bend and unbend with such ease, thanks to a complex articular-cartilaginous articulation. And the so-called own ligament of the patella is considered to be the "protagonist" here. It helps to make walking smooth and regulates movement. knee joint.

Tendinitis in this case manifests itself first as acute inflammatory process, which further leads to dystrophy of the patella's own ligament. The disease is treated quite difficult, so it is important to get its timely diagnosis.

Causes of the disease

There is another name for this disease - "jumper's knee". From here it is easy to guess about the factors provoking its appearance. So, the causes of this disease include:

  • Frequent injuries, dislocations and sprains.
  • Excessive stress on the knee joint.
  • Incorrect distribution of loads.
  • Active sports (especially football, basketball, tennis and volleyball).
  • Last trimester of pregnancy.

Also, tendinitis of the patellar tendon can occur due to old age.

Why is it dangerous

Like all ODA diseases, the presented ailment requires immediate medical intervention. Ignoring its symptoms can lead to quite serious consequences, up to disability.

On early stages the disease can still be overcome, but then there is an irreversible degeneration of the ligament of the kneecap.

If pain of any intensity appears in the knee area, you should immediately seek medical help.

Symptoms

The correct diagnosis can only be made by an experienced doctor. Unfortunately, the symptoms of patellar ligament tendonitis are similar to other diseases.

At the initial stage, many do not pay attention to periodic aching pain in the knee. However, it is from her that the development of the disease “starts”. As a rule, pain occurs only after physical activity and subsides at rest. Sometimes there may be stiffness of the articular connection, which also disappears after a short time.

Further, the pain intensifies and motor dysfunction of the affected area is connected: it becomes difficult to unbend and bend the knee. It's like something is bothering him. In the later stages, the patient is tormented by constant pain, not dependent on the presence of physical exertion.

Diagnostics

Any diagnosis begins with a survey of the patient. With regard to the described disease, a special place is given to the survey and palpation. During the interview, the doctor will certainly ask about the occupation of the patient. And if his profession is connected with sports, then the tendinitis of his own ligament of the patella will be the leader as a presumptive diagnosis. In this case, the doctor carefully probes the sore spot in order to exclude alternative diagnoses.

To obtain a more complete clinical picture of the disease, each attending specialist prescribes additional examinations:

  1. Radiography.

Laboratory testing of blood and urine may also be required.

Only after receiving the results of the studies passed, the doctor will be able to determine the diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.

Proper Treatment

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the stage of the disease at which it is started. So, at an early stage, when the ligament is not yet subject to a dystrophic process, conservative treatment is quite enough.

The basis of treatment in this case is deep warming of the affected area and the application of ointments based on the extract of comfrey or larkspur. It is recommended to apply dry ice as a decongestant.

  1. Magnetotherapy.
  2. Electrophoresis.

The duration of such treatment depends on the severity of the patient's condition.

In advanced situations, in the presence of significant degradation of the patellar ligament, only surgical intervention. It is done using an arthroscope. The instrument is inserted into the affected area and extracts the damaged areas, and sometimes the entire patella.

The surgical method is the only way out of the situation when tendinitis of the patellar tendon is combined with the formation of an extensive cyst.

Usually after 2-3 months the patient can begin to live in the same mode.

Prevention

Preventive measures to help avoid patellar tendinitis are extremely simple. It is necessary to monitor the correct distribution of loads during sports, as well as do not overload your joints and ligaments. If there is weakness in the knee joint, it is necessary to wear an elastic bandage. This is the best prevention of patellar ligament wear.

After vigorous physical activity, you should always arrange " fasting days”, during which you need to visit a bathhouse, pool or just take baths with sea salt.

Any training should be carried out under the close supervision of a specialist.

Consequences and complications

Tendinitis of the patellar ligament, left without medical attention, leads to a whole range of severe complications. First, extensive inflammation begins, which eventually spreads to neighboring areas.

This process can in some cases lead to temperature jump. If the inflammation is not extinguished, then cysts may appear in the affected area over time. In this case, immediate surgical treatment is required.

In the later stages, this disease can lead to complete degeneration of the ligament, its rupture and, as a result, disability.

The knee joint is often injured due to constant physical stress on it. Of the components of this area, damage often occurs in the patella's own ligament. As a result, it develops an inflammatory process called tendinitis.

Anatomy of the patellar ligament

Anatomically, the patellar ligament is a continuation of the tendon of the quadriceps femoris, which fixes it to the anterior tuberosity of the tibia, located in the lower part of the kneecap.

Due to the structure, the knee region is considered unique, as it allows not only movement, but also enhances the functionality of the quadriceps muscle.

Types of damage

Injuries that occur in the ligament of the patella:

  1. Injury. With it, the integrity of the tissue is practically not violated, but the blood vessels are damaged, which is manifested by the appearance of a bruise. The injury is accompanied by pain and swelling.
  2. Stretching. It is characterized by a slight damage to the ligaments, by about 10%. Such an injury to the ligament of the patella does not lead to joint dysfunction, but can provoke pain and limit the mobility of the leg.
  3. Tear. With it, the gap is about 30%. The pain symptom manifests itself pronouncedly when trying to stand on the injured limb or bend it, it becomes difficult for the patient to move.
  4. Gap. In this case, the leg is not able to make any movements in the knee joint. The affected area swells, the patellar ligament hurts, a large hematoma forms on it due to damage blood vessels. A rupture requires surgical intervention.

Reasons for the development of pathology

Ligament tendonitis occurs in people of all ages. Most often, it is diagnosed in athletes who regularly expose the knee to increased physical exertion. Sports activities often cause injuries to the patella, leading to the development of a pathological process in it.

In addition to mechanical damage, tendinitis can cause such factors:

Also, the disease occurs due to degenerative changes in the knee joint due to the age of the person.

Stages of development

Tendinitis of the patellar ligament occurs in several degrees:

  1. First. Soreness is weak, manifests itself only after physical activity.
  2. Second. Symptoms are also mild, but may occur at rest.
  3. Third. The severity of the signs increases, they accompany the patient under any load.
  4. Fourth. At this stage, the ligament breaks.

The tissue is torn because tendinitis causes disturbances in its structure, a decrease in strength.

Symptoms

The development of tendonitis of one's own ligament begins with a mild pain of a dull nature, which manifests itself at the bottom of the patella or in the area of ​​the tubercle of the tibia of the femur. In the first stages of the pathology, pain occurs only due to physical activity. Stiffness is also felt: even incomplete flexion and extension of the leg is difficult.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe. As a result, pain occurs with any movement of the knee. If tendonitis accompanies a rupture of the ligament of the patella, then discomfort is formed when trying to straighten the limb with effort.

Diagnostic measures

Before prescribing therapy, it is required to conduct an examination of the patient in order to detect the cause of the inflammatory process of the patellar ligament, the degree of its development, the nature of the course.

First, the doctor examines the patient, and then prescribes laboratory and instrumental research methods. These include:

  1. Blood and urine tests to detect inflammation, infection, autoimmune lesions.
  2. Ultrasound diagnostics, which allows to identify violations in the structure of the ligament.
  3. Computed or magnetic resonance imaging, which helps to detect degeneration of the patella.
  4. X-ray examination in different projections, necessary to identify concomitant joint diseases.

When conducting an examination, it is important to distinguish pathology from arthritis - inflammation of the joint. He has a similar clinical picture with tendinitis. But the pain syndrome manifests itself in different ways. In the case of arthritis, it torments constantly, spreads over a large area. With tendonitis, pain is localized only in part of the lesion and does not always appear, but most often when moving.

Therapeutic methods

Thanks to modern medicine patients with patellar ligament tendonitis recover completely, avoiding the occurrence of dangerous complications. But a big role in this is played not only by the methods of therapy, but the timeliness of the patient's treatment to the doctor and the implementation of all his recommendations.

In the early stages, you can get rid of inflammation of the patella and partial deformity of the joint by reducing the load on the knee, taking medications, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine. In advanced cases, it is necessary to resort to surgical intervention.

Medications

Medicines are used to suppress inflammation in the patella, eliminate pain. For this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. The drugs "Ibuprofen", "Indomethacin", "Diclofenac" have proven themselves well. They are issued in different forms for internal, topical use or injections.

If 2 weeks after the start of taking these medications, the patient does not feel better, then corticosteroids are prescribed. They are more powerful. If the disease is accompanied by an infectious lesion, then antibiotics are used.

In the case of severe patellar tendonitis, doctors may inject the patient's plasma, which contains a large number of platelets, into the joint. This technique allows you to accelerate the recovery of tendon tissues.

Physiotherapy

The following exercises are considered the most effective:

  1. Stand with your back to the wall, sit down so that the buttocks are on the same level with the knee, and stay in this position for a few seconds.
  2. Stand up straight, bend your leg, grab the heel from the back and pull it to the gluteal region. Stay like this for a minute, then change legs.
  3. Lie on your side, put your hand under your head, the other rest on the floor. Then lift the limb up as far as possible. Then repeat with the other leg.
  4. Take a reclining position, lean your elbows on the surface. Bend one limb at the knee, and raise the other up and linger for a few seconds, then change legs.

Physiotherapy

If tendonitis of the ligament of the patella is detected, a course of massage is prescribed. Thanks to him, the pain syndrome is eliminated, the process of healing and restoration of damaged tissues is accelerated.

Of the physiotherapy procedures used:

  • Iontophoresis.
  • magnetic treatment.
  • Electrophoresis.
  • Paraffin applications.

When conducting warm-up sessions, it should be remembered that they are prohibited for people suffering from rheumatism.

Folk remedies

To eliminate the symptoms of tendonitis, the ligaments are allowed to use alternative medicine methods. It helps to relieve swelling and soreness such a compress: beaten egg white is mixed with a large spoonful of vodka and the same amount of flour. Everything is mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Then it is smeared on a bandage and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe patella is bandaged. The bandage is removed after 3 hours.

Another compress is made using a mixture prepared from a tablespoon of sea salt and the same portion of chopped onion. The mass is applied to the damaged area, wrapped with a warm cloth and kept for 5 hours.

In addition to compresses, oral medications are used. It is recommended to use turmeric as a seasoning. You need to eat no more than 0.5 g per day. They also prepare a decoction of bird cherry berries and drink 100 ml 3 times a day.

Surgery

With the development of an advanced stage of tendonitis of the patella, it is almost impossible to help the patient get rid of the disease using a conservative method. Therefore, doctors resort to surgical intervention.

The preferred method of surgery is arthroscopy. During the operation, the doctor makes several punctures in the joint area, through which he introduces instruments and a camera to further control the procedure.

Sometimes open intervention is required. But it can cause adverse effects. It is most preferable to carry out plastic surgery: it is the safest and helps to fully restore the damaged joint.

Taping

The essence of the technique lies in the use of special tapes that help reduce the load on the ligament. There are several types of taping:

  1. Cross gluing tape.
  2. Cruciform overlay with lower and upper attachment point.
  3. Longitudinal fastening of the tape in relation to the bundle.
  4. Mixed taping.

Orthosis also helps to reduce the load on the patella. But it is not put on a cup, but a little below it.

Rehabilitation

The duration of the patient's recovery after the treatment may be different. It depends on how timely the therapy was started, what pathologies accompany tendinitis, what is the severity of inflammation.

For some patients, 2 weeks is enough to recover. To do this, even some physiotherapy procedures are enough for them. Others require more time and an integrated approach to rehabilitation.

Complications and prevention

People do not always go to the doctor in time when they feel pain in the knee, until it gets worse and begins to be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms. The brightness of the clinical picture is manifested when the pathology proceeds already in the last stages.

If timely measures are not taken, then the pathological process will worsen, spread to other parts of the joint. It can lead to synovitis, arthrosis and many other joint diseases, which sometimes cannot be cured.

To avoid the development of tendonitis of the ligament of the patella, one must be more attentive to the joints. When playing sports, it is required not to heavily load the knees, to give the legs more rest. But physical activity must be present. people leading sedentary image life, also have joint problems.

The best preventive measure is considered a timely visit to the doctor. Soreness in the knee area is a serious reason for examination. After all, it can be a sign of not only an ordinary bruise, but also a serious pathology.

Many people experience inflammation of the tendon that connects the tibia and the patella. This is indicative of tendonitis of the patellar ligament. A person feels stiffness during flexion and extension of the leg. It will be difficult to play football, ride a bike and just walk. It will be possible to get rid of the disease with the help of timely identification and adoption effective measures.

concept

Patellar tendinitis - what is it? This is a common ailment among athletes. It is more often observed in those sports where you need to run and jump, as they have an eccentric load on the patellar ligament.

In the appearance of the disease, not only the type of sport matters, but also the age of the person. Chronic tendonitis appears due to various causes, including overwork syndrome, repeated minor injuries, secondary sprains, age-related changes and poor blood circulation.

According to the international classification of diseases ICD-10, tendinitis of the patellar ligament has the code M76.5. Designations are used in the medical field around the world. The ICD-10 code for tendinitis of the patellar ligament is used to fill out the documentation.

Causes

Doctors consider injuries and age to be the main factor in the appearance of tendonitis of the patellar tendon. with regular microtraumas, which usually happens in athletes and people engaged in complex physical labor that loads the knees. Due to sprains, bruises, dislocations, inflammation appears on the leg, which leads to tendonitis of the patellar ligament.

Deformation and destruction of the patellar ligament occur over time. With age, the body becomes weak and unable to eliminate inflammation on its own. The appearance of a disease of tendons with weak immunity occurs in pregnant women.

signs

It will be possible to identify the disease with the help of pronounced symptoms. Tendinitis of the patellar ligament tendinitis manifests itself in the form of pain in the knee area, which usually increases if the load on the legs increases. In order not to confuse the symptoms with the manifestation of other diseases, you need to know how the leg hurts when the front or back is damaged.

Discomfort is felt when bending and unbending the leg. Movements to straighten the lower leg will be painful in the evening at the 1st stage of the disease, this disappears after rest. When degeneration of the ligaments develops, the pain becomes intensified and is permanent. During the chronic form of the disease, it is difficult to perform flexion and extension of the knee. With this disease, the temperature does not rise. In the area of ​​inflammation of the tendons, redness and slight swelling may occur.

Degrees

In the development of the disease, 4 stages are distinguished:

  1. Pain occurs only after heavy exertion.
  2. Dull pain in the form of attacks appears in the case of standard and weak loads after training or physical work.
  3. Intense pain also occurs during rest.
  4. The progression of the pathology is the cause of rupture of the patellar ligaments.

Diagnostics

The presence of tendinitis of the own ligament of the patella is established after examining the knee, probing the medial and lateral ligaments. If the diagnosis is in doubt, hardware diagnostics is used - MRI and radiography.

It is advisable to take a blood test to identify inflammation. Self-diagnosis is often erroneous and can aggravate the disease, therefore, at the first symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor without delay.

Treatment Methods

The stage of the disease affects the treatment. The symptoms of patellar ligament tendinitis can be corrected with surgery, but it is done only as a last resort. It is carried out only when the disease has become chronic, when there is a risk of disability. Conservative methods are used in the initial stages of the disease, they involve a combination of the use of medications with physiotherapy and gymnastics.

conservative method

Treatment of tendonitis of the patellar ligaments in the traditional way is performed without the use of heavy medications. It is effective in the initial stages of the disease, when degenerative processes are still considered reversible.

It will be possible to get rid of microtraumas of the cruciate ligament with the help of rest and the use of special supports - teip tapes and elastic bandages. Deep heating and restoration of tissues is performed with ointments with comfrey, mineral mud. At an advanced stage, a specialist prescribes UHF and knee electrophoresis, magnetotherapy. If a disease is detected at any stage, excluding chronic, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:

  • reduce the load on the knee, reduce the intensity of training;
  • perform dry ice compresses to relieve pain and swelling;
  • use anti-inflammatory ointments, tablets that restore immunity;
  • perform physical therapy exercises, do yoga, Pilates;
  • wear supportive knee pads, bandages, use ligament taping.

Surgery

Surgery is performed as usual, open way and arthroscope. Therapy involves the removal of damaged tissue at the site of the head of the patella. The doctor performs the choice of the method of surgical intervention based on the area and nature of degenerative processes in the ligaments. Osteophytes are eliminated arthroscopically, but if there is a cyst in the kneecap, the classic open surgical method is used.

After the operation, you must remain calm and undergo rehabilitation, which consists of therapeutic gymnastics for knee development, physiotherapy, medication use. Recovery lasts 1-3 months. During this period, the leg should have additional support in the form of a knee brace, taping. You need to walk with the support of a cane.

Other methods

The popular methods of therapy include sanatorium-resort treatment. It involves mud and balneological treatment. Azov and Black Sea firth muds, radon and hydrogen sulfide baths are effective.

At home, laser-ion and vibroacoustic devices are used, for example, the Vitafon. It will be possible to cure microtraumas with the help of ointments and gels for athletes, which eliminate muscle spasm, provide nutrition to the joints and tendons.

ethnoscience

Some people choose folk treatment. With tendonitis, prescriptions do not eliminate the cause, but they will alleviate the condition, especially at the initial stage. But before using the funds traditional medicine you need to consult a doctor.

Various tinctures and herbal teas are used at home. For oral administration, an infusion of partitions should be used. walnut. But this remedy prepared in advance, as it is infused for 18 days. Because of this, it is rarely used for acute tendinitis. And in the chronic form, take a vodka tincture of 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. The tool should not be used by car drivers.

We also offer tea based on dried bird cherry berries. This drink is presented in the form of a decoction prepared in a water bath. For 1 cup of boiling water, take 1 tbsp. l. berries. During the treatment of the disease, it is necessary to use turmeric seasoning more, since its main component relieves pain and inflammation.

Treatment can also be performed with the help of compresses from aloe juice. It is obtained from the cut leaves of the plant, which should lie in the refrigerator for a day. On the 1st day after injury, 5-6 procedures should be performed, and then 1 time at night is required.

Use a nourishing cream to make an ointment with arnica. This relieves inflammation and relieves swelling. The cream should be applied 3 times a day. The pharmacy has ready-made ointments with this plant. An excellent result is provided by lotions based on crushed ginger root (2 cups of boiling water are added to 2 tablespoons of raw materials). Infusion is performed for 30 minutes. Lotions should be performed 3 times a day for 10 minutes.

Compresses and contrast procedures are effective, but they can only be used in the absence of reddening of the skin and increased body temperature over the affected joint. These procedures consist in alternating a light massage of ice cubes with heating with wheat groats heated in a pan (it is poured into a linen bag or sock). Such sessions improve blood circulation and restore tissues.

Prevention

To prevent tendinitis, hyperloads on the knee joint and ligaments should not be allowed. Bruises, dislocations or sprains must be treated to the end, you should not quit therapy after the pain has been eliminated, otherwise the inflammation will remain deep in the tissues. As a prophylaxis, a bath is used, you can take baths with eucalyptus, salt and apply mud.

Physical activity should be increased and decreased gradually. Before exercise, you need to warm up the joints and ligaments. It is important to choose suitable places for sports and effective training methods. No less important is correct mode labor and rest. The load on all joints should be harmonious. Prevention reduces the risk of knee disease.

Thank you

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Tendinitis- Inflammation of the tendon. Most often, the disease begins with inflammation of the tendon sheath (tendovaginitis, tendosynovitis) or tendon bag (tendobursitis). If the inflammatory process extends to the muscles adjacent to the tendon, then such diseases are called myotendinitis. Most commonly, tendon inflammation affects the knee, calcaneal tendon, hip, shoulder, elbow, and base of the thumb.

When conducting laboratory studies, no changes are observed, except when the disease is associated with an infection or a rheumatoid process.

As a result of constant stress, including with frequent impact on the surface lower extremities(when running), tendonitis may develop in the upper thigh. This affects the tendons of the rectus femoris muscle (main and quadriceps tendinitis), tendons of the iliopsoas muscle (hip flexor tendinitis), and tendons of the long adductor muscle (groin tendonitis). The main manifestations of tendonitis of the hip joint are:

  • change in gait and lameness;
  • slow onset of symptoms
  • reduction in pain after initial activity and return on subsequent exertion with greater force;
  • crackling in the upper part of the thigh.
Treatment includes both conservative methods (rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, etc.) and surgical methods (surgical removal of inflamed tissue from the tendon).

Gluteal tendonitis

Gluteal tendinitis is a dystrophic phenomenon in the tendons of the gluteal muscles. The disease manifests itself in the form of muscle weakness, their atrophy, increasing motor disorders, and difficulty in moving from a horizontal position. The progression of the disease can lead to a rupture at the point of transition of the muscle into the tendon, while there is a sharp click and pain, and limited mobility. Treatment in most cases is conservative.

Tibialis posterior tendonitis

Tibialis posterior tendonitis (post-tibial tendinitis) is an inflammation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle, located along the inside shins and ankles. This type of foot tendinitis develops as a result of prolonged overstrain of the calf muscles, chronic microtrauma or tendon sprain. It is observed most often in female athletes after 30 years. In addition to general methods, the treatment of posterior tibial tendinitis is based on wearing special orthopedic shoes with foot support and a reinforced heel, using arch supports with high shock-absorbing characteristics. In some cases, surgical treatment is indicated, aimed at suturing ruptures or tendon reconstruction.

Shock wave therapy for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder - video

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Patellar ligament tendinitis is a diagnosis that inspires fear in many patients. The patella propria ligament (Patellae proprium) is an important participant in the process of movement, responsible for the extension of the leg in the knee joint. Anatomically, this fibrous structure is attached to the tibial tuberosity on one side and to the lower edge of the patella on the other.

Etiology of tendonitis

Doctors from the field of sports medicine are good at Patellae proprium, since this injury accompanies professionals in sports and is called "jumper's knee". Chronic loads on the knee area during long workouts are typical for such types of movement as intense running, jumping, sharp acceleration and deceleration. These "provocateurs" of inflammation are inherent in the following sports areas:

  • football;
  • cycling;
  • sprint;
  • tennis;
  • volleyball;
  • boxing;
  • basketball.

Factors contributing to the development of pathology:

  1. Flat feet, in which the foot "falls" inward, increases the tension of the ligament due to the "twisting" of the lower leg.
  2. Insufficient shock-absorbing properties of the surface where training takes place.

The second risk group for the occurrence of tendinitis is the elderly, who may develop a degenerative process in the osteo-ligamentous apparatus of the knee. Increasing the age of patients leads to the following changes in Patellae proprium:

  • a decrease in its flexibility;
  • elasticity;
  • decreased ability to adequately respond to stress.

As a result of minor household injuries, microcracks may appear. Ligament microtraumatization against the background of metabolic disorders, concomitant diseases of the joints quickly turns into inflammation with a predominance of degenerative changes.

It should be noted that the term "older people" in relation to Patellae proprium tendinitis is determined not so much by age as by the state of the articular and ligamentous apparatus. If the biological age is ahead of the actual, then tendinitis is very likely to occur in people starting at 45 years of age.

Patellae proprium tendonitis is manifested primarily by pain. Patients complain that the kneecap hurts, the knee aches. Pain sensations are more often localized in the apex, less often in the region of the tibial tuberosity.

The development of the disease undergoes three stages:

  1. At first, the pain is almost imperceptible, provoked by strong loads on the knee joint, more often in the evening, activity is preserved.
  2. The pain appears during normal exercise.
  3. The occurrence of pain is possible even at rest.

If painful sensations join along the entire ligament of the patella, accompanied by swelling of the tissues, this is a likely sign of tendovaginitis. Patients also complain of joint stiffness, weakness in the knee.

Important! Tendinitis of the patellar ligament is often complicated by rupture.

Diagnostics

The anamnesis of the disease, taking into account the patient's profession, helps the specialist to suspect inflammation of the patellar ligament at the very beginning of the examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods that are used to determine the diagnosis:

  1. X-ray in direct and lateral projections - to detect fractures and foci of calcification in Patellae proprium.
  2. MRI - allows you to exclude damage to other soft structures of the knee joint (menisci).
  3. Ultrasound examination - to detect ligament thickening, signs of degeneration, ruptures.

Palpation examination of the Patellae proprium fixation areas reveals tenderness. Extending the knee with resistance also causes pain.

Conservative therapy

In the first, second degree and initial stage the third stage, as a rule, damaged structures respond well to the following conservative methods of therapy:

  1. Cooling the injured area with ice (compresses).
  2. Limiting sudden movements, reducing any load on the ligament.
  3. Develop and follow a quadriceps strengthening program.
  4. Massage.
  5. Physiotherapy.
  6. The use of orthoses (special bandages), taping.

Kinesio taping is the use of special adhesive tapes, which different ways are glued to the area of ​​damage, unloading Patellae proprium.

A course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs do not affect the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of the disease, but can alleviate the symptoms. Duration of application should not exceed seven days. In elderly patients with concomitant diseases of the digestive tract, before using NSAIDs, it is necessary to evaluate possible benefit from taking and the risk of damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Surgical treatment

Methods of surgical treatment of tendonitis can be different, it all depends on the degree of injury.

Arthroscopy

With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment or a ligament rupture that has already occurred, the damaged tissues are removed. More often, an arthroscopic technique is used for this as a minimally invasive method, less often - open access. The choice of access is determined by which area of ​​the ligament is damaged.

For example, the formation of cysts in the thickness of the ligament is an indication for open surgery. Conducting an open operation in comparison with the endoscopic technique is a more traumatic method, leading to an increase in the recovery period.

curettage

It is possible to provoke the restoration of one's own tissues with the help of curettage (curettage) of the lower part of the patella. In addition, the following manipulations are prescribed:

  1. A frequent intervention is resection of the lower edge of the patella to eliminate the infringement of the ligament.
  2. It is also possible to excise the ligament - partial or wide, after which the edges of the ligament are fixed.

Carrying out these surgical interventions, unfortunately, does not always allow you to effectively treat the patient: in the future, a relapse of the disease is possible and.

Important! Timely reconstruction can fully restore the function of the quadriceps (quadriceps femoris muscle). Delaying surgery for a month significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Prevention

Patellar ligament diseases can be avoided if the following conditions are constantly met:

  1. Physical activity can be increased and decreased only gradually.
  2. Before performing physical exercises, it is necessary to “warm up” the joints and ligaments.
  3. Choose the “right” places to exercise and the “right” training methods.
  4. A balanced regime of work and rest.
  5. Harmonious load on all joints, excluding long monotonous repetitions of movements in one joint.

Timely treatment of concomitant diseases of the musculoskeletal system and a healthy lifestyle are also preventive methods.

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