How to Mend Your Quadriceps Tendonitis

Quadriceps tendonitis may occur due to an acute trauma of some sort, and is also most common among athletes participating in sports that involve jumping (basketball). Quadriceps tendonitis is also an overuse injury, meaning that the tendon can become weak because of repetitive movements. Inappropriate footwear or improper training techniques are common causes of this injury as well. Individuals with poor biomechanics (leg misalignment, flat foot or leg length discrepancies) may experience uneven weight bearing on their Quadriceps tendon which could also result in Quadriceps tendonitis.

If you have Quadriceps tendonitis you will experience a great deal of pain when straightening your leg and may also notice some swelling, bruising or tenderness just above your kneecap. Symptoms you may experience if you have a complete tendon tear include difficulty walking (your knee may buckle when you place any weight onto it), an indentation at the top of your knee, or your kneecap may feel loose or sag.

Tendon injuries typically require longer healing processes because tendons are tough, dense tissues that normally receive very little blood flow. Even with optimal healing there is always less elasticity in a previously injured tendon. To prevent excessive in-elasticity of the tendon the injury should heal with minimal scar tissue formation and as much realignment of fibers as possible; which can be accomplished through Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound.

Cold Compression Therapy - The R.I.C.E. Method

Cold Compression Therapy is ideal for treatment within the first 48 to 72 hours after a Quadriceps tendonitis injury or after any sort of activity that has aggravated the injury.

Begin R.I.C.E. treatments by resting your leg as much as possible and restrict any movement to prevent further damage. Ice the swollen area at least 3 times a day for approximately 20 minutes (allow for 45 minute periods between treatments). Do not apply ice directly onto your Quadriceps tendon as this may cause cryoburn (freezer burn to the skin) - use a piece of cloth, towel or compression wrap to protect the injured tendon. Compress the area if possible by adding light pressure to minimize swelling. Finally, elevate your leg to relieve swelling and allow fluid to properly drain.

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Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy

If you are still experiencing some inflammation in your Quadriceps tendon, and the area is no longer swollen you may want to explore the healing benefits of Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy (BFST). BFST decreases inflammation and increases blood circulation. Blood is the transport mechanism for oxygen, nutrients, water and antibodies, thus proper blood flow is essential when healing any tendon injury. BFST is provided through the use of heat therapy which can be found in heating wrap products.

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Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a method of stimulating tissue beneath the skin's surface using sound waves. It is like a high frequency massage that can penetrate up to 4" below the surface of the skin. The heating and massaging effects of therapeutic ultrasound have 3 primary benefits: it can speed the healing process, reduce swelling, and heal damaged tissue softening scar tissue. Essentially, the nutrient absorption rate and blood flow within the injured ankle area will be greatly enhanced through the use of an ultrasound device. Portable ultrasound therapy is recommended and administered by many doctors and physical therapists.

When applied directly to the skin, the transducer head of an ultrasound unit cannot effectively transfer sound waves into the body. A conductive medium (ultrasound gel) is required to facilitate therapeutic ultrasound.

Ultrasound can also be used to administer therapeutic medicines into the body which provides the added benefit of delivering soothing medicated gel to the site of the pain. This is a process known as Phonophoresis.

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Surgery is typically not performed unless there has been a complete tear of the Quadriceps tendon. In this case the surgeon will drill holes into the Patella and apply sutures to reattach the Quadriceps tendon to the Patella. This particular procedure also features some new techniques including the insertion of anchors which are placed on the Patella in order to keep the Quadriceps tendon in place.