Tendons are strong bands of tissue that keep your muscles attached to your bones. They are located all throughout your body, from your upper extremities to your lower extremities. Wherever you have muscles, there are tendons.
In your leg, the patellar tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles, located in front of your thigh, and connects your kneecap to your shinbone, which helps straighten your leg. The patellar tendon can develop tears due to an injury or weakening due to repetitive use. As a result, walking can be painful and difficult.
Symptoms of a patellar tendon tear include tenderness, cramping, bruising, indentation, knee buckling, and an inability to straighten the knee due to pain.
Why Does The Patellar Tendon Tear?
You can tear your patellar tendon in different ways. For example, it can tear either partially or completely. With the former, the patellar tendon shows some fraying but is still intact. With the latter, the patellar tendon tears into two pieces, which is a disabling injury that requires surgery to repair.
The patellar tendon can tear due to a sports injury in which a bad fall or landing directly impacts the knee and causes the tendon to tear. Sports that call for frequent jumping can also leave athletes vulnerable to patellar tendon tears.
There are many factors that can weaken a patellar tendon, which increases the risk of tears. For example, chronic patellar tendinitis as well as aging can cause the patellar tendon to become weaker. A lack of proper injury treatment and healing can also lead to future injuries as poor handling of a patellar injury can contribute to the weakening of the tendon.
Additionally, the use of steroids in the treatment of patellar tendon injuries can also weaken it. Previous surgeries to repair the knee joint or having a total knee replacement can increase the risk of patellar tendon tears in the future, as well. Finally, chronic diseases that affect healthy blood supply, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and renal failure can also weaken the patellar tendon.
Treatment For Patellar Tendon Tear
Since proper patellar tendon treatment is critical in healing the injury, seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a patellar tendon tear. Clinical diagnosis requires imaging tests to determine the type and extent of injury. A comprehensive treatment plan includes a period of immobilization and physical therapy for partial tears and surgery and rehabilitation for complete tears.
Patellar Tendon Tear Treatment in North Dakota
For comprehensive treatment of your orthopedic injury, visit The Bone & Joint Center today. Our experts are ready to serve you. As the largest private orthopedic practice in North Dakota, we are a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of orthopedic conditions. Our goal is to restore your mobility, so you can enjoy the activities you love most.
We welcome you to our spacious, state-of-the-art treatment facilities, where our friendly staff make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. To schedule an appointment, call The Bone & Joint Center at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650. You can also request an appointment online
