Patella Tendon Treatment at The Heel Centre
Custom Patella Tendon Treatment Plans
What is Patella Tendon?
The patella tendon plays a crucial role in knee mobility, connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. When strained or injured, it can result in pain around the knee, swelling, and difficulty in performing basic movements such as jumping, running, or even walking.
Recognising symptoms early—including stiffness after periods of inactivity or a noticeable weakness in the knee—can significantly improve outcomes by seeking prompt and effective treatment.
Common Types of Patella Tendon Conditions
Understanding the variety of patella tendon conditions is key to effective treatment:
- Jumper’s Knee: Predominantly seen in athletes, characterised by localised pain at the lower pole of the patella.
- Tendinopathy: Degradation of the tendon’s collagen in response to chronic overuse.
- Patellar Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon, typically from acute overuse or injury.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: More common in young athletes, affecting the point where the patella tendon attaches to the shin.
- Tendon Rupture: Though rare, a complete tear of the patella tendon requiring immediate medical attention.
Causes of Patella Tendon Issues
Awareness of common triggers can help in preventing patella tendon problems:
- Repetitive Stress: Frequent jumping or impact activities that strain the knee.
- Improper Training Techniques: Lack of proper warm-up or using incorrect form during exercise.
- Muscle Imbalance: Disproportionate strength in leg muscles putting extra stress on the tendon.
- Equipment and Environment: Hard playing surfaces or unsuitable footwear exacerbating tension on the knee.
- Previous Injury: Prior damage to the knee area can predispose the tendon to further issues.
Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
At The Heel Centre, the first step in treating Patella Tendon is gaining an accurate diagnosis. We conduct a thorough clinical assessment, often using imaging and gait analysis, to determine the cause of your heel pain and identify any contributing factors. Understanding the root cause allows us to develop an effective, personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs and ensure you get the proper treatment and support for your condition.
Our treatment approach
We offer a variety of effective treatment options for Patella Tendon, including:
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in the Patella Tendon. This therapy stimulates blood flow, promotes tissue regeneration, and can relieve pain after just a few sessions.
Orthotic Therapy
Footwear advice and modifications
Wearing proper footwear can greatly improve your management of Patella Tendon conditions. Our team will guide you on the best types of shoes to wear and recommend any necessary modifications to improve your comfort.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
We provide targeted exercises to stretch the Patella Tendon and strengthen supporting muscles, which can help improve foot flexibility and reduce foot tension.
Benefits of Treatment at The Heel Centre
Personalised Care
Our team takes the time to understand your unique situation and creates a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Noninvasive Options
Experienced Team
Our podiatrists have extensive experience treating Patella Tendon conditions, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Patella Tendon
What is the patella tendon?
A crucial ligament that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone.
