Quadriceps Tendonitis Facts

The quadriceps tendons are a large group of tendons which run from under the knee cap and up the front of the thigh. These tendons are some of the strongest tendons in the body.

Quadriceps tendonitis is probably one of the most common types of tendonitis. Because of the every day use these tendons receive a lot of wear and tear. They bear our weight when we are walking or standing so maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important. When a person develops quadriceps tendonitis they may experience pain and swelling just above the knee. It is possible for this pain to radiate up the upper part of the leg. Any activity which causes these tendons to stretch will likely cause increased pain. The simple activity of sitting down can put pressure on this group of tendons.

Who Is At Risk?

Runners and athletes are prime candidates for quadriceps tendonitis. Repeated pounding to this group of tendons eventually takes its toll. If this condition is left untreated it tends to get worse and scar tissue will form. Being overweight contributes greatly to the break down of these tendons as well as the muscles. Once these tendons are damaged they rarely regain their former strength.

Treatment and What to Expect

After receiving a diagnosis of quadriceps tendonitis you will probably have to temporarily avoid using the knee and thigh area. You may need to wear a brace to provide stability to the area. A brace may also be helpful when you first return to some normal activity. If there is swelling and inflammation you may have to take medication that will reduce the swelling. Ice packs can also be a benefit to the pain as well as the swelling. It may be necessary to extract fluid from this area if other methods do not work. If the damage is severe surgery may be an option you want to consider.

Quadriceps tendonitis has better than a 50% chance of recurring so adhering to treatment is very important. The ultimate goal is to avoid as much scar tissue as possible. Scar tissue has no flexibility and can be the cause of future problems. Your doctor or therapist can help you develop a program to gently stretch these tendons without causing further harm. Choosing the correct shoe to maintain balance and support is also important. You may need to modify your routine to start walking instead of running and avoiding stairs whenever possible. Some people get relief from the pain with sonic ultrasound. The key is to take care to avoid any further damage to the weakened tendons.

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