A tendon extends from the end of a muscle and attaches it to a bone, enabling movement. Composed of tough, fiber-like tissue with limited stretching capacity, the tendons of the human leg prove susceptible to acute and chronic injuries. Tendon ailments of the leg cause varying degrees of pain and physical disability, based on the location and severity of the abnormality. Similarly, the nature and severity of the ailment determine the appropriate course of therapy.
Achilles Tendinitis and Tendinosis
The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle and lower leg, attaches the large calf muscle to the calcaneus, or heel bone. Sudden or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon can injure the fibers, leading to pain. Tendinitis refers to an acute injury of the tendon fibers. With continued stress on the injured tendon, the problem may evolve into a chronic condition known as tendinosis, explains the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Although medical professionals distinguish between tendinitis and tendinosis, most people commonly refer to both conditions as tendinitis.
Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis may occur at the site where the tendon attaches to the heel bone or in the mid-region of the tendon. Both conditions cause tendon stiffness, swelling and localized pain, which increases with activity, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Rest, corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication, shoe inserts, braces and physical therapy prove the mainstays of treatment for Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis. Uncommonly, surgery may be necessary to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon.
Patellar Tendinitis and Tendinosis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap, or patella, to the large bone of the lower leg, the tibia. The patellar tendon may sustain acute or chronic injury, typically related to activities that exert high-level stress on the knee, such as sports that require jumping or abrupt stops and starts. Running long distances may also lead to patellar tendon injury. A sudden increase in the intensity of athletic training often precipitates a patellar tendon injury, notes the website of New York University Langone Medical Center.
Patellar tendinitis and tendinosis cause pain below the kneecap, which intensifies with activity involving the knee. Over time, an untreated patellar tendon injury may lead to constant aching pain. Knee stiffness is common. Treatment options for patellar tendinitis and tendinosis are similar to those used for Achilles tendon injuries.
Quadriceps Tendon Tear
The quadriceps tendon attaches the powerful quadriceps muscle of the thigh to the upper end of the kneecap. External force that overwhelms the stretching capacity of the quadriceps tendon leads to a complete or partial tear of the fibers. A complete quadriceps tendon tear, or rupture, causes an inability to straighten the leg at the knee and marked instability of the joint. Partial tears may respond to immobilization of the joint with a brace, enabling healing of the tendon fibers. Quadriceps tendon ruptures require surgical repair and a recovery period of four to six months or longer, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
