SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US
Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Consult our MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist for a detailed consultation & personalised treatment plan today.
Knee Tendon Injuries
Dr. Ambrose Yung
What are Knee Tendon Injuries?
Knee tendon injuries involve damage to the tendons surrounding the knee joint. Tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, stabilising the joint and enabling movement.
The most commonly injured tendons in the knee are the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia), and the quadriceps tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap. These injuries often result from overuse, sudden movements, or direct trauma causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement.
Symptoms of Knee Tendon Injuries
Knee tendon injuries can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the damage. Common symptoms include:
- Knee Pain: Pain is usually felt just below or above the kneecap, depending on whether the patellar or quadriceps tendon is affected.
- Swelling: The area around the injured tendon may become swollen, making it harder to bend or straighten the knee. Swelling often occurs shortly after the injury.
- Weakness or Instability: The knee may feel weak or unstable, especially when putting weight on it because the tendon is no longer capable of providing full support to the knee joint.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Damage to the tendon can make it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee, resulting in stiffness and restricted movement.
- Difficulty Walking or Bearing Weight: In severe cases, individuals may have difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg, as the tendon injury affects the knee’s ability to support the body.
Causes of Knee Tendon Injuries
Knee tendon injuries are often caused by activities or events that place excessive stress on the tendons. Common causes include:
- Overuse
Repetitive activities like jumping or running can cause strain on the tendons, leading to small tears or inflammation over time. - Age-related Degeneration
Tendons may weaken with age due to decreased collagen and elasticity, making them more prone to injury, even during normal activities. - Sudden Movements or Trauma
A sudden, forceful movement, such as landing awkwardly from a jump or abruptly changing directions, can overstretch or tear a tendon. Direct blows to the knee, such as in contact sports or accidents, can also result in tendon injuries. - Improper Conditioning
Weak or tight muscles, especially in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or calves, can put extra strain on the tendons around the knee, increasing the risk of injury.
Types of Knee Tendon Injuries
Knee tendon injuries can range from mild strains to complete tears. Common types include:
Quadriceps Tendon Injury
The quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps muscle, located at the front of the thigh, to the kneecap, which helps straighten the knee during activities like walking, running, and jumping.
- Quadriceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the quadriceps tendon is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress. This condition results in pain just above the kneecap, particularly during activities like climbing stairs or squatting.
- Quadriceps Tendon Tear: This is a partial or complete tear of the quadriceps tendon. A complete tear is severe, which makes it difficult to straighten the knee, often requiring surgical repair. This type of injury usually occurs during sudden, forceful movements, such as jumping or lifting heavy weights.
Patellar Tendon Injury
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone and allows for knee extension during activities like kicking, running, and jumping.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee): This is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the patellar tendon, typically seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve frequent jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. Pain is usually felt below the kneecap.
- Patellar Tendon Tear: A tear in the patellar tendon can be partial or complete. A complete tear is a serious injury that prevents the knee from extending fully, often requiring surgical intervention. Partial tears can cause pain and swelling but may heal with non-surgical treatment.
Hamstring Tendon Injury
The hamstring tendons connect the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh to the bones in the knee. Hamstring tendon injuries often occur during activities that involve sudden sprinting or stopping. Strains or tears in the hamstring tendons can cause pain in the back of the knee and thigh.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a knee tendon injury involves a physical examination of the knee and imaging tests to assess the extent of the damage.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the knee for signs of tenderness, swelling, and instability. You may be asked to move your knee in specific ways to assess your range of motion and identify any areas of pain.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound is useful for identifying tears or inflammation in the tendons. An MRI is typically used to confirm the severity of the injury by providing a detailed view of the soft tissues, including tendons. Although X-rays cannot visualise tendons, they may be used to rule out bone-related issues, such as fractures, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatments are often recommended for mild to moderate injuries, such as strains or partial tears, where rest and rehabilitation can help the tendon heal.
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
In the early stages of an injury, RICE helps reduce pain and swelling, allowing the tendon to heal. This is typically used for less severe injuries like strains or overuse conditions.
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are used to manage pain and reduce inflammation, making it easier to perform daily activities. However, long-term use should be monitored due to potential side effects.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, supporting the joint and reducing pressure on the injured tendon. This helps improve knee stability and aids in recovery. It is necessary to follow the physical therapist’s guidance, as incorrect exercises or overexertion can worsen the injury.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical options are usually reserved for more severe cases, such as complete tears, or when non-surgical treatment fails to restore knee function.
Tendon Repair Surgery
For more severe injuries, such as complete tendon tears, surgery may be required to repair the damage. The surgeon attaches the torn tendon to the bone, restoring the tendon’s ability to support and stabilise the knee. Recovery typically involves several months of rehabilitation, during which physical therapy is recommended to regain strength and flexibility.
Arthroscopy
This minimally invasive procedure allows the surgeon to examine and repair the injured tendon through small incisions, causing minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Arthroscopy may lead to shorter recovery times, less scarring, and a quicker return to activity, but recovery can vary based on the injury.
Prevention of Knee Tendon Injuries
Regular exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee can stabilise the joint and lower the chances of tendon injuries.
Proper warm-up and stretching before physical activities improve flexibility and reduce tendon strain.
Allowing time for rest and recovery between intense activities can help prevent overuse injuries and allow the tendons to heal properly.
Our Clinic Locations
Spire Hip & Knee Centre
6 Napier Road #08-04
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Spire Orthopaedic Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road, #18-03
Singapore 329565
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Get Started
Book An Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are knee tendon injuries more common in certain sports or activities?
Yes, knee tendon injuries are more common in sports or activities that involve repetitive jumping, running, or sudden changes in direction, such as basketball, volleyball, or football. Overuse injuries, such as patellar tendonitis, are particularly common in athletes who frequently put stress on their knees.
How long should I rest after a knee tendon injury before resuming activity?
The length of rest depends on the severity of the injury. For mild strains or tendonitis, rest may be needed for a few days to a few weeks, along with physical therapy. For partial or complete tears, rest and recovery could take several weeks to months, especially if surgery is involved. Consult a healthcare provider or physiotherapist before resuming activity to avoid re-injury.
Can knee tendon injuries cause long-term issues if left untreated?
Yes, if knee tendon injuries are not properly treated, they can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and further damage to the tendon or surrounding structures. In severe cases, untreated tendon injuries can cause permanent instability in the knee, making it difficult to engage in regular physical activity without discomfort or risk of further injury.