Patellar tendonitis, or "jumper's knee," is an injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This injury is most commonly seen in athletes in sports that require frequent jumping, such as jumpers, volleyball players, or basketball players.
Patellar Tendonitis: Advantages of Treatment at Top Ichilov Clinic
The orthopedic specialists at Top Ichilov Clinic typically begin treatment for patellar tendonitis with non-surgical methods.
- Pain relievers
- Physical therapy: stretching and strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles
- Applying a special strap to the patellar tendon to reduce knee load
- 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 Ichilov 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 tissues and tendon recovery.
- In exceptional cases, when all these conservative treatment methods have failed, surgical intervention may be necessary.
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Patellar Tendonitis: Diagnosis at Top Ichilov Clinic
When patellar tendonitis occurs, pain in the knee arises that does not subside even after physical activity has stopped. In this case, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic doctor. The specialists at Top Ichilov 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.