Lowden-Patella+Tendonitis

= = =Patella Tendonitis = =Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon and the vascular tissue surrounding it. Patellar Tendonitis occurs in the tendon that connects the knee cap to the shin bone. This tendon assists the muscles in the lower leg in movement. Patellar tendonitis generally occurs in jumpers, it is commonly referred to as jumper’s knee. However, this injury can occur in athletes who do not do much jumping. It may occur in athletes who have had an acute injury to their tendon and have not given it the proper time to heal. = = = = Someone suffering from patella tendonitis complains of a sharp pain over the patellar tendon. After activity the pain usually moves from sharp to dull. The athlete will experience pain during activies such as jumping, kneelingand going up and down stairs. There may also be swelling of the patellar tendon. When the AT puts pressure on the patellar tendon they will be able to recreate the pain experienced during activity. =  ** When someone goes to the doctor for patellar tendonitis they will have a series of tests done in order to rule out certain problems. These test include: ** · Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the knee. This picture can show the location of tears in the patellar tendon. · Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create more precise image that shows subtle cahnges in the tendon. **
 * · Physical exam.  Your doctor may apply pressure to different parts of your knee to figure out where you're experiencing pain. Pain cause by patellar tendonitis is in the front part of your knee just below the kneecap .

** In order to treat patellar tendonitis you must: **
 * · Rest. Rest doesn't mean giving up all physical activity. One should avoid running and jumping. It is especially important to avoid any activity that gives you pain. **
 * · Adjusting your body mechanics. A physical therapist can help you learn to better distribute the force you exert during physical activity. **
 * · Stretching your muscles. Inflexible muscles, especially inflexible thigh muscles (quadriceps), contribute to the strain on your patellar tendon. **
 * · Strengthening your tendon. A physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to strengthen your patellar tendon and the muscles around it. Exercises can also help strengthen your quads. A specific type of exercise for strengthening the quadriceps called eccentric strengthening helps to treat and prevent patellar tendinitis. This exercise involves lowering weight slowly after raising it, such as a seated knee extension exercise. **
 * · Patellar tendon strap .A strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon can help to distribute force away from the tendon itself and direct it through the strap instead. This can help relieve some pain. **
 * · Massage.  Massaging the patellar tendon may help encourage tendon healing and increases blood flow through the tend o n **



** There is very poor blood supply to tendons and very low cell activity which makes healing very slow. Tendons receive nutrients from the tendon sheath or the paratendon. When the don is injured cells from surrounding structures come to the tendon to help in healing, some come from blood vessels which allows direct blood flow inot the tendon. ** =[] <-- This video shows an evaluation of the patellar tendon. =

[]<-- This video discusses the different levels of severies of patellar tendonitis.

[]<-- This video shows an evaluation of the patella.


 * Work Cited **

MayoClinic Staff,. (2010, January 10). //Patellar tendinitism//. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/patellar-tendinitis/DS00625

Georgia Health Info,. (2008, January 8). //Patellar tendinitis//. Retrieved from http://georgiahealthinfo.gov/cms/node/131131

Edell, D. (2009, October 24). //Patellar tendinitis//. Retrieved from http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/LE/Knee/patellar_tendinitis.htm