DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
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- Patellar tendinopathy is characterized by degeneration in the collagen in the patellar tendon/ligament in response to repetitive overloading. Failed healing of intratendinous micro tears and degenerative changes such as angiogenesis indicate that patellar tendinopathy is mainly a noninflammatory condition, unlike patellar tendinitis, which is inflammatory in nature.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Commonly, there is a history of eccentric overloading such as jumping, landing, and downhill running.
- Tenderness of the inferior patella and patellar tendon
- Q angle less than normal
- No pain on extension overpressure
- Chronic (at least 4 weeks) activity-related anterior knee pain and reduced knee flexibility
- Bilateral involvement is not uncommon, but the take-off leg of jumpers is commonly more symptomatic
- Knee pain that follows the aggravating activity is worse when using stairs or squatting
- Sharp or aching pain/burning sensation localized at the base of the patella
- Tenderness at the patellar tendon
- Knee stiffness after inactivity or prolonged knee flexion, as in sitting or driving
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Patellar tendon will act as a contractile lesion
- Rule in:
- Contract quadriceps
- Palpate tendon
- Lengthen quadriceps
- Circulation and edema
- Provocation tests for pain
- 1 leg squat or drop
- Plyometric jump
- Assess gait
- Joint integrity
- MMT
- Palpation
- Posture
- ROM
- Sensory testing
- Strengthening of knee extensor mechanism with an emphasis on eccentric loading and pelvic stability
- Restore normal physical functioning for work or sport
- Address footwear
- Biomechanics education
- Manual therapy- Accessory mobilization of patellar tendon
(click here to see references)