Patellar tendon rupture is a serious knee injury that requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation. It is caused by overuse, arthritis, or sudden changes in direction while running. Prevention includes stretching, warm-up activities, and avoiding excessive jumping and anabolic steroid use.
A patellar tendon rupture is a debilitating knee injury that indicates a snap or tear in the tendon that connects the kneecap, or kneecap, to the shinbone or shinbone. In most patellar tendon tears, the tendon is completely torn across its entire width, although partial tears are also possible. Most patellar tendon ruptures occur in individuals younger than 40 years of age.
The patellar tendon is part of a system of muscles and ligaments in the leg that enable normal activities such as walking, running and jumping. When the patellar tendon is completely ruptured, the injured person most often cannot stand on the affected knee or straighten the leg. Symptoms of a partial tear include pain and difficulty performing any activity that involves movement of the knee. This tendon helps keep the kneecap in place, so if the kneecap moves up along the thigh, it could be a sign of a ruptured patellar tendon. Swelling is also very common, and the area is often tender to touch.
Patellar tendon ruptures are relatively rare, especially when compared to patellar tendon strains or other minor injuries. When a patellar tendon rupture occurs, however, it requires extensive repair. It cannot be treated simply through rest, ice, or compression.
If you suspect a patellar tendon rupture, you should immediately ice your knee to reduce swelling and seek medical attention. Complete ruptures require surgery to stitch the tendon back together and require the use of a cast or brace for up to six weeks after the procedure. Extensive rehabilitation after surgery is typically required to return the knee to proper function. Rehabilitation can take anywhere from six to 12 months, depending on the extent of the injury, and athletes may be sidelined for this amount of time. Partial ruptures of the patellar tendon may not require surgery, but they still involve a great deal of rehabilitation, strengthening, and rest time.
Patellar tendon injuries are often incurred due to overuse of repetitive exercises that strain the knee or arthritis. Sometimes tears are seen after landing on the knee at a bent or awkward angle. Sudden and rapid changes in direction while running can also cause a patellar tendon tear.
There are steps that can be taken to prevent patellar tendon ruptures. These include lots of stretching before and after exercise, doing warm-up activities before exercising, and avoiding activities that place stress on the patellar tendon, such as excessive jumping. Anabolic steroid use can weaken the patellar tendon, making it more susceptible to ruptures, so anabolic steroid use should be avoided.
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