The patellar tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the front of the tibia, or shinbone, to help extend or strengthen the leg. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, patellar tendon tears are most common in middle-aged individuals who play running or jumping sports. While small tears may heal on their own, complete tears are usually serious and require surgery to improve symptoms and regain function.
Rest
In most cases, patellar tendonitis can heal with rest, states MedlinePlus. Resting the knee and avoiding activities that cause pain can allow the damaged tendon to heal and properly recover. In addition to rest, a patient should apply an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables to the affected knee for 20-minute cycles, multiple times throughout the day to reduce pain and inflammation associated with patellar tendonitis. If knee pain and inflammation do not improve after a few days, a patient should make an appointment with a doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.
Medications
MedlinePlus states that taking medications may help heal patellar tendonitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may be particularly beneficial because they reduce pain and inflammation associated with patellar tendonitis. Although effective, a patient with a history of heart disease, kidney problems or stomach problems should consult a doctor before taking NSAIDs.
In more severe cases, a steroid injection may be given to help control pain associated with patellar tendonitis. Steroid medications are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce pain in the knee and allow a patient to continue performing daily activities and physical therapy. Side effects are minimal because the majority of the steroid medication remains in the knee joint.
Surgery
According to MedlinePlus, surgery is recommended in only the most severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. In these cases, surgeons may remove the inflamed patellar tendon that was identified to be the problem area on an MRI. Surgery, however, also carries the risk of knee infection, excessive bleeding from the surgical site, nerve damage, joint damage and a weakened patellar tendon. Thus, the risks and benefits of this procedure should be discussed between the surgeon and the patient before deciding on this course of treatment.
