Patellar tendonitis is a highly common injury amongst athletes, especially those who frequently use their knees to jump into the air (think basketball players). That being said, the condition may also develop for patients who are constantly on their feet and have experienced wear and tear. Ordinarily, swelling may begin to arise underneath the kneecap; an initial warning sign of patellar tendonitis. For patients who are concerned about their symptoms, we ask that you consider undergoing evaluation for physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY at Farmingdale PT East. Our staff of certified therapists can provide treatment for patients who are experiencing patellar tendonitis. As an added bonus, you can receive treatment without a referral, thanks to our direct access platform.
Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis:
Commonly, the initial symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain in between your kneecap and tibia. The tibia is where your tendon attaches to your shinbone. Pain may start to occur only when being very active, but as symptoms worsen, the pain will persist through your daily activities like walking up the stairs and getting out of bed. In more severe cases, you may experience swelling or redness around your joint. If you are experiencing symptoms of this condition, our staff at Farmingdale PTE can provide copious exercise programs that are capable of strengthening your knee and providing added stability.
Some risk factors may include:
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Physical activity: If you are new to a sport or starting the season, your body may not be used to constant jumping and running.
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Tight leg muscles: If your quadriceps are tighter than usual, this may increase strain on your tendon.
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Muscular imbalance: This may occur if some muscles are stronger than others. The uneven pull from your stronger muscles could cause patellar tendonitis.
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Chronic illness: It is possible that your chronic illness disrupted blood flow to your knee. Diseases that may cause this include but are not limited to diabetes, obesity, and lupus.
Prevention:
There are several ways to prevent yourself from getting patellar tendonitis.
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Take a rest: Adequate recovery time is essential for any athlete, especially those who engage in repetitive motions and movements.
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Build your leg strength: You can build strength by doing several leg exercises. Strong thigh muscles are proven to prevent injuries of your tendon. These can be achieved by doing several strength exercises.
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Improved technique: Read instructions before using exercise equipment or ask a professional if you are unsure how to do an exercise move correctly.
How Can A Physical Therapist Help You?
With the assistance of physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY, our staff can provide recommended leg strengthening exercises and other means for treatment. Not only can this help treat your condition, but it may also improve your knees’ injury prevention capabilities. Treatments depend on the severity of the injury, but several measures will be taken to reduce the pain. This may include stretching, periods of controlled rest, and strengthening your leg muscles. Additionally, your orthopedist may suggest over-the-counter medication or injection therapy to help deal with the pain. With the assistance of physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY, we can help get you back to healthy, comfortable living. Contact us today for more information.