How long does patellar tendonitis take to heal

The knee may also swell and bruise. Walking may be difficult and a person may be unable to straighten the leg. Ongoing knee pain or discomfort should not be ignored. Treating patellar tendonitis early can ensure a quick and complete recovery. A doctor or physical therapist will diagnose this condition, after asking about symptoms, medical history and exercise routines.

They will also perform an examination, during which a person may be asked to move or straighten their leg.

The doctor will gently press the area round the knee, as the tendon often feels thicker on the affected side. The doctor may also request magnetic resonance imaging MRI or an X-ray to examine a serious tear and to determine whether the kneecap is in the right position. Treatment for patellar tendonitis is usually focused on pain reduction. A person will need to rest the affected leg, apply ice to the area, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Small or partial tears can often be treated with rest and gentle exercises.

A person should wear the brace for 3 to 6 weeks and may need to use crutches to support their weight. Physical therapy can help to gradually restore movement as the tendon heals. A physical therapist may also recommend strengthening and stretching exercises to do at home. A complete tear may require surgery, to reattach the tendon to the kneecap.

Complete recovery may take 6 months. After a person has recovered from patellar tendonitis, they can take steps to try and prevent future injuries. Anyone who plays a sport in which jumping and hard landings are common, they can take the same steps to avoid getting injured in the first place. Patellar tendonitis can develop gradually, so it is not always easy to recognize. Anyone with ongoing discomfort or pain in the knee should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Resting and bracing the knee gives a tendon time to heal. If pain continues, a doctor or physical therapist can recommend further treatment options. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Diagnosis During the exam, your doctor may apply pressure to parts of your knee to determine where you hurt. Imaging tests Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following imaging tests: X-rays. X-rays help to exclude other bone problems that can cause knee pain. This test uses sound waves to create an image of your knee, revealing tears in your patellar tendon.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images that can reveal subtle changes in the patellar tendon. More Information Cortisone shots. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kasper DL, et al. Periarticular disorders of the extremities. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Like the treatment for tendinitis, a physical therapist can apply massage techniques to break up the blood clots in the damaged area, which promotes a faster healing process.

They might also suggest various stretches to loosen up the muscles surrounding the knee, allowing better movement and function of the lower extremity. Another method to treat patellar tendinosis is via injection of platelet rich plasma cells into the damaged area of the tendon. Platelets are found within blood, along with red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.

These platelets contain healing proteins called growth hormones that are activated once released into the body 7. To prepare PRP, blood is first drawn from the patient and then undergoes two stages of centrifugation designed to separate the platelet rich plasma cells from the blood.

Because the patellar tendon has a low blood supply, PRP has been proven effective in increasing blood circulation in the area and using growth hormones to dramatically speed up the healing process 7. This treatment plan, along with physical therapy, will yield a high success rate in the recovery of patellar tendinosis. What Steps to take if you are experiencing Patellar Tendinopathy? Patellar tendinopathy may not be the most serious injury you can incur, but the prolonged pain it can cause and the risk of further injury if not dealt with properly make it worthy of notice.

The best advice for avoiding tendinopathy is to listen to your body and take advantage of opportunities to educate yourself on proper athletic precautions. If you are experiencing Patellar Tendinopathy or knee pain, follow these steps to ensure a fast and sound recovery:. There are always vast amounts of resources available in books, articles, magazines, and on the web, however nothing compares to direct one on one care with a qualified professional to assess your individual condition.

References 1. Am J Sports Med. Br J Sports Med. Overuse tendinosis, not tendinitis. The Phys and Sportsmedicine. Conservative treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Phys Ther in Sport. Witvrouw E, Bellemans J, Lysens, et al. Intrinsic risk factors for the development of patellar tendinitis in an athletic population: a two-year prospective study.

Radiology 3 : —7. Charchian, B.