Running is a high-impact sport that may lead to muscular or joint problems if approached incorrectly or with inadequate baseline training. Tendinitis is a condition in which inflammation, pain and swelling occur within a tendon, a type of connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. The patellar tendon is located directly below your kneecap, the tendon on which your doctor tests reflexes. Running is associated with patellar tendinitis, and poor circulation may hinder the healing process.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is an example of an overuse injury. Activities or sports that require you to place repeated stress on the patellar tendon result in microscopic tears in this important tissue. Your body tries to rebuild the torn tendon; however, if the activity is traumatic enough, the tears begin to accumulate faster than they can be repaired. This leads to inflammation and a sharp pain during exercise. Additionally, this type of tendinitis may produce a dull, aching sensation during rest.
Healing
The Mayo Clinic recommends a multidimensional, conservative approach to treating patellar tendinitis aimed at reducing strain on the tendon and rebuilding strength. Invasive treatments are also options; they include corticosteroid therapy or surgery. More conservative techniques include resting the tendon, stretching muscles in the area and strengthening the tendon itself. Massage therapy may also encourage healing by stimulating blood flow.
Importance of Blood Flow
Microtraumas in the patellar tendon must be repaired to restore full function. As these tears accumulate, more blood flow is required to provide the materials for healing. According to a recent article form the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery Research, changes in the microcirculation within inflamed tendons demonstrates increased capillary blood flow in areas of greatest pain. Maintaining healthy levels of blood flow while avoiding inflammation is the trick to treating these injuries with massage and physical therapy.
Applications
Various conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, may affect your body's ability to provide adequate circulation to your extremities. Poor circulation may hinder your ability to recover from patellar tendinitis because of the importance of stimulating blood flow for tendon repair.
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