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Knee - Tendon Injuries and Disorders

Overview Causes Symptoms Diagnosis	Treatment Options Where to Seek Treatment Return to Knee Injuries		Contributed by Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery

Overview

Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is an injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon helps your muscles extend your lower leg so that you can kick a ball, pedal your bicycle and jump up in the air.

Causes

Commonly known as jumper's knee, patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping, running or kicking.

Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury as a result of repeated stress on your patellar tendon. The stress results in tears in the tendon that as they become more numerous, causes inflammation in your tendon.

Symptoms

Pain is the first symptom of patellar tendinitis. It worsens with physical activities
Pain is usually relieved with rest but may be persistent in severe cases
Swelling may be present

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made on history and clinical examination.

Treatment Options

The conservative approach to treating patellar tendinitis aims to reduce strain on your tendon and to gradually build up the tendon's strength.

Your doctor may suggest that you avoid running and jumping and recommend physiotherapy to stretch the tendon and quadriceps with the aim to returning to your previous level of intensity in your exercise. Medications to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation may also be given.

A patellar tendon strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon to distribute force away from the tendon may be given to relieve pain.

Where to Seek Treatment

The medical institutions within SingHealth that offer consultation and treatment for this condition include:

Singapore General Hospital
Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery
Outram Road, Singapore 169608

Appointments Hotline:

Tel	:	+65 6321 4377

International Enquiries, please contact:

Tel	:	+65 6326 5656
Email	:	ims@singhealth.com.sg

KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Orthopaedic Surgery
100 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 229899

Central Appointments:

Tel	:	+65 6294 4050

International Enquiries, please contact:

Tel	:	+65 6394 8888
Email	:	international@kkh.com.sg

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