Quadriceps Tendon
Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscles to bones. The quadriceps tendon is the most important tendon involved in straightening the knee from a bent position.
What is quadriceps Tendon pain?
Quadriceps Tendon Pain is inflammation or Tear in the quadriceps muscle and tendon that is caused by overuse or alignment problems in the knee structures.
Anatomy of Quadriceps Tendon
The four quadriceps muscles meet just above the kneecap (patella) to form the quadriceps tendon. The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the patella. The patella is attached to the shinbone (tibia) by the patellar tendon. Working together, the quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon, and patellar tendon form a pulley mechanism to straighten the knee.
Symptoms
Pain and swelling
Morning stiffness
Bruising
Tenderness
Cramping
kneecap may sag or droop
knee buckling
Causes of quadriceps tendon Pain
•overuse
•Playing sports : volleyball, running ,soccer, football etc
•Physical activity : jumping, Gym ,etc
•Steroid use. Using corticosteroids has been linked to increased muscle and tendon weakness.
•Fluoroquinolones. This special type of antibiotic has been associated with quadriceps tendon tears.
•Immobilization. When you are off your feet for a prolonged period of time, the muscles and tendons supporting your knees lose strength and flexibility.
•Chronic disease : Weakened tendons can also be caused by diseases that disrupt blood supply. Chronic diseases which may weaken the tendon include:
Chronic renal (kidney) failure
ther conditions associated with renal dialysis
Hyperparathyroidism
Gout
Leukemia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Diabetes mellitus
Infection
Metabolic disease
•Injury: heavy load on the leg with the foot planted and the knee partially bent.
Investigation
•Physical examinations & Special Test.
•X Ray or MRI
Differential Diagnosis
•Qudriceps tendonitis
• Quadriceps tendon tear
Treatment for quadriceps tendon pain
Early treatment for quadriceps tendon pain include rest and anti-inflammatory medication such as Acetaminophen,aceclofenac ,Ibuprofen,etc
Nonsurgical treatment for quadricep tendon pain
Physical therapy in the early stages of quadricep tendon pain is aimed at decreasing pain and reducing inflammation. The physical therapies may use massage, ultrasound or electrical stimulation to speed the healing process and minimize further damage. The physical therapist will also prescribe exercises to stretch and strengthen the injured area and correct muscle imbalances.
Bracing or taping the patella can help you continue to do day-to-day activities without pain.
Orthotics can improve knee alignment and function of the patella.
Surgical treatment for quadriceps tendon pain
The damaged tissue is removed and the tendon is repaired. Most patients who require surgery will have arthroscopic surgery, which is less invasive, and patients can go home that day.
Recovery from quadriceps tendon pain
nonsurgical treatment:The injury can heal with four to six weeks of physical therapy. The goal of the physical therapy is to reduce the pain and inflammation as well as improve function of the quadricep.
Surgical treatment:Most likely, your repair will be protected with a knee immobilizer or a long leg cast. You may be allowed to put your weight on your leg with the use of a brace and crutches (or a walker).
Doctor and physical therapist will customize a rehabilitation plan.
Complete recovery takes at least 4 months. Most repairs are nearly healed in 6 months. Many patients report that they required 12 months before they reached all their goals
