Identifying and Treating Quadriceps Tendonitis
What Is Quadriceps Tendonitis?
Quadriceps tendonitis is the strain, irritation, or injury of the quadriceps muscle and tendons caused by either alignment issues or overuse of the knee. To explain the cause of pain and the best treatment, it is helpful to first understand the anatomy of the injured area.
The quadriceps muscle connects to the quadriceps tendon right above the knee cap, or patella bone, in which the tendon then stretches down to the patella and patellar tendon that then inserts into a bump right above the shin bone called the tibial tubercle. This quadriceps tendon, along with the patella and the patellar tendon, make up what is called the quadriceps mechanism.
The tightening of the quadriceps muscle then causes a pull on the quadriceps mechanism that forces the knee to straighten. This forced straightening leads to pain, weakness, and swelling of the joint.
Quadriceps tendonitis may be the result of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Some extrinsic factors include dangerous training regimens, like working out too intensely for long periods of time, or inappropriate workout settings and footwear. Possible intrinsic causes include misalignment of the foot, ankle, or leg, flexibility, age or weight. Any of these causes can lead to pain right above the patella bone when the knee is in use.
If you have been properly diagnosed with quadriceps tendonitis, the next step is non-surgical rehabilitation. This rehabilitation process includes a steady physical therapy regimen, and either rest or activity limitations until healed completely. To assist healing, icing and suggested pain medicine will help aid pain and inflammation. Massages also help loosen and heal the muscle.
Once the pain and inflammation have become more bearable, physical therapy will focus on gaining proper flexibility, strength and alignment around the knee joint to further assist the healing process and correct any muscle imbalance. Taping or bracing the injured area is often recommended to further aid in pain relief, as well as offer support to encourage the realignment process.
If you are having pain above your knee and think it may be caused by Quadriceps Tendonitis, don’t hesitate to reach out to Proform Sports Chiropractic so we can begin the healing process as soon as possible and get you back to doing what you love.
