Inflammation of the quadriceps tendon
definition
The quadriceps tendon is the muscle attachment tendon of the powerful quadriceps muscle, which lies on the front of the thigh and is responsible for the powerful extension of the knee.
While the different muscle parts originate from different structures, the quadriceps tendon attaches to the tibial tuberosity, which can be felt prominently on the shin.
In the quadriceps tendon is the Kneecap stored. Starting from the kneecap, the quadriceps tendon is called the Ligamentum patellae continued. Inflammation usually occurs in the quadriceps tendon Transitions to the bone on, that is, where the tendon starts at the upper kneecap pole, originates at the lower pole and ends again at the tibia.
She is a sign of one chronic overload.
causes
In most cases, inflammation of the quadriceps tendon is caused by a chronic overload of the tendon and all structures associated with it. Chronic overloading occurs especially when it is operated regularly Jumping sport, Game sports or To run, but also for professional activities that are mainly performed while kneeling, such as Laying tiles.
Through the frequent and vigorous contraction of the quadriceps muscle In principle, there is a constant enormous tension on the quadriceps tendon and the attached bone attachment.
In addition, an axis misalignment, such as Knock knees, negatively affect the tension of the quadriceps tendon, which puts more strain on it. The force effect is on these Tendon-bone boundaries the biggest, which is why the inflammations tend to arise there.
In the course of chronic inflammation can be due to metabolic processes Calcifications in the tendon which occur in addition to Pain and to degeneration, so lead to wear and tear of the tendon apparatus.
Is the quadriceps tendon already closed due to the inflammatory process heavily attacked and damaged, it can no longer withstand the high forces of movement and can Cracks occur. In the worst case, a partial - or even complete - will follow Quadriceps tendon rupture in the context of inflammation.
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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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The knee joint is one of the joints with the greatest stress.
Therefore, the treatment of the knee joint (e.g. meniscus tear, cartilage damage, cruciate ligament damage, runner's knee, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of knee diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
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diagnosis
The diagnosis of inflammation of the quadriceps tendon is first made according to the clinical picture. This means that the patient see a doctor because he has noticed pain or a restriction in movement of the knee, and the doctor then precisely characterizes the symptoms on the basis of a physical examination and an anamnesis.
The point of attachment of the quadriceps tendon to the kneecap and the shinbone is particularly important. There the pressure pain can typically be localized to one point, in some cases even a swelling, hardening due to calcium deposits or a dent after the tendon is torn.
In addition, the strength and function of the quadriceps tendon during knee extension can be determined with the help of various tests in order to define the extent of the inflammation.
It is important to differentiate that the function of the knee joint itself is not impaired. Carrying out a detailed anamnesis can provide additional information on the development of the inflammation, its course and symptoms.
Imaging measures can also be carried out, such as an ultrasound of the quadriceps vision. The tissue of the tendon can be assessed well with the question of inflammation or rupture.
Typical signs that speak for an inflammation are calcification, water retention, the loss of smooth boundaries of the tendon fibers or tears.
Alternatively, a side x-ray of the knee can be taken, again looking for calcification in the quadriceps tendon. In order to clarify a rupture of the tendon, an MRI image of the knee is taken, as this allows the soft tissue of the quadriceps tendon to be better differentiated and thus also to determine the thickness, which should not be less than 7 mm.
Read more on the subject below MRI knee
Symptoms
The inflammation of the quadriceps tendon is mainly caused by a punctiform tenderness consciously exactly over the corresponding tendon section. On three digits the inflammation and thus the tenderness typically occurs: Either on upper edge of the kneecap, at the Lower margin or at the Tibial tuberosity of the tibia.
This pressure pain, which is caused by the inflammation of the quadriceps tendon, can also lead to movement, especially with the triggering overload Pain that arise to a Restriction in freedom of movement of the knee, while the knee itself is not functionally impaired.
therapy
To treat inflammation of the quadriceps tendon, one can start with an conservative therapy consider. First of all, the overloading of the quadriceps tendon, which is one of the main causes of inflammation, should be reduced to a minimum. Only when this stressor is removed can the inflammation of the quadriceps tendon regress and heal.
A local physiotherapy can promote healing on the one hand and Resilience of the tendon promote to avoid future inflammation from overuse. You can also counteract an incorrect load on the quadriceps tendon by adding new gentler motion sequences to be learned.
Part of conservative therapy should be anti-inflammatory and analgesic Medication be. On the one hand, the means should reduce the patient's suffering from the painful inflammation of the quadriceps tendon and enable pain-free movement again. On the other hand, they should be the ones Promote recoveryby suppressing the inflammatory response.
If conservative therapy fails and arise chronic complaints by inflammation of the quadriceps tendon, so can a surgical intervention should be considered. However, this is not used to treat the inflammation, but should through Removal of possible lime relieve the pain it causes.
In addition, a torn or partially torn quadriceps tendon can be reconstructed during an operation. Cutting out the inflamed area does not make sense as this would not give a better result and the function of the tendon would be lost.
As a rule, this is conservative therapy, especially the reduced stress, very helpful.
prophylaxis
In order to counteract inflammation of the quadriceps tendon, it is recommended to avoid overstressing especially the quadriceps tendon with sufficient physical activity. This does not automatically mean that you are no longer allowed to do sports, but that you can triggering movements only in Dimensions executes. It can also help through targeted stretching exercises to increase the resilience of the quadriceps tendon in advance.
forecast
The inflammation of the quadriceps tendon can be very severe persistent and tedious be in therapy. Still, one should try through the above Therapy options To positively influence the healing and regeneration process of the quadriceps tendon in order to enable pain-free mobility and stress again.
