Quadriceps Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Quadriceps tendonitis is an inflammatory lesion of the quadriceps tendon. Tendonitis can be acute and chronic.

Causes of tendonitis

Tendonitis may be associated with the presence of various diseases and consequences, including:

• Mechanical injuries;
• Infections;
• Rheumatic diseases;
• Immune system diseases;
• Metabolic disorders;
• Iatrogenic;
• Degenerative processes of the joints;
• Neuropathies caused muscle disorders.

Symptoms

Quadriceps tendonitis is characterized by several symptoms, the main one is a pain. It appears initially only after training or after prolonged physical exertion on the body. Then the pains become permanent. Basically – this is a dull pain, which is felt near the ligament. Pain sensations arise only when performing active movements, when the joint is at rest – pain does not occur. When pressing on the sick tendons with tendonitis or rather on the area where it is located – the pain intensifies.

With intense inflammation, redness of the skin, an increase in body temperature, poor joint mobility can be observed. A crunch may appear in the area of ​​the tendon.

With prolonged treatment, an elastic nodule can sometimes be felt. This is due to the growth of fibrous tissue in place of the damaged. With tendonitis of the shoulder joint, salt deposition and the formation of calcifications (dense nodules) can be observed. Often tendonitis ends with a tendon rupture.

The development of tendonitis

The development of pathology is associated with prolonged, intense physical exertion, overwork of the tendons and the whole organism as a whole under the influence of such exertion. As a result, tendons do not have time to recover, which leads to the so-called fatigue injury. First, the tendon swells, the collagen fibers that make up the tendon are split. While maintaining the load in these areas, islands are formed containing adipose tissue and deposits of calcium salts. Solid calcifications form, which damages the surrounding tissues with greater force. If there is damage to the tendon, it is recommended to immediately stop the impact of intense loads, to provide complete rest to the damaged tendon so as to create conditions for a speedy recovery.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out on the basis of anamnesis and the results of an examination of the affected area.

In some cases, it is possible to use additional diagnostic methods, such as X-ray examination of the lower leg, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. With the help of an x-ray, it is possible to establish tendon calcification sites typical of the disease. With the help of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, a medical specialist can pretty accurately determine the location, size of the site of inflammation and the degree of degenerative changes in the tendon.

Treatment

The standard treatment methods that you will be offered in a regular clinic or hospital are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have a temporary effect and are contraindicated for long-term use.

Shock wave therapy solves these problems:

• Shock wave therapy is a good and quick pain reliever without the use of tablets and injections;
• Alternative to surgical interventions;
• It relieves pain and allows the athlete to return to peak loads.

In the terminal stage of patellar tendonitis, when there are tear tendons, shock wave therapy is not used.

With severe pain, a therapeutic medical blockade can be indicated. As a result, the anti-inflammatory drug enters directly into the focus of inflammation and has a long anti-inflammatory effect.

Complications

• Pain on palpation of the tendon;
• Pain, tendon, muscle tension;
• Pain during tendon-related movements;
• Tendon nodule;
• Pain due to changes in weather conditions (rain, wind, pressure).

Forecast and prevention

With timely treatment and strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations, the prognosis for the patient is favorable – the inflammatory process stops, and relapses occur extremely rarely.

Preventive activities include:

• wear comfortable shoes;
• do small physical exercises during the day;
• avoid excessive pressure on the knee joints;
• carry out enhanced training under the supervision of a trainer;
• strengthen immunity and treat infectious diseases in a timely manner.