Jake PopistMost sports involve rigorous knee movements. Strenuous running and jumping are known to exert 9 to 11 times more force on the knees than the overall body weight of the individual. This can lead to several painful conditions, patellar tendonitis being a prominent one. The tears are mainly caused by accumulated pressure on the quadriceps tendon, but often do not lead to inflammation, according to an article by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. X-rays, MRI and ultrasounds can determine the changes in the patellar tendon.
One good way to treat this condition is to resort to a knee brace for patellar tendonitis. The pain subsides and slowly leads to the restoration of normal function. Knee braces for torn meniscus made of moisture wicking materials can offer palliative support and reduce pain, according to experts at Aidfull. Besides picking the best knee brace, take a look at other effective treatment methods.
Medication
In addition to knee braces for running, doctors often suggest over-the-counter pain management medication. These are ideal for short-term pain and inflammation. Some of the commonly prescribed painkillers are ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen sodium, according to an article on Healthline. These, along with a patella knee brace, can work wonders and aid in rapid healing.
Injections
Often, the pain takes a serious turn, if the tendons have ruptured. This is when the doctors recommend corticosteroid injections near the patella tendons. It can significantly reduce the pain and offer some much-needed relief. Platelet rich plasma injection is another way to induce tendon healing. Make sure to consult your physician to know if wearing a knee compression sleeve & strap brace at this point is safe. Is yes, consider getting custom braces made for a perfect fit.
Physical Therapy
This includes stretching and strengthening at home to gradually restore movements as the tendon heals, according to an article on Medical News Today. Therapists also recommend wearing the best knee brace for 3-6 weeks at least to facilitate healing of the tendons. Besides using hinged knee braces, consider a crutch to divert the body weight from the knees. Lastly, icing the area and massaging daily can ease the pain too.
Surgeries
Football & basketball knee braces are excellent for partial tears. The best ones are made of a combination of plastic, metal and fabric to offer the best support. However, a complete tear often requires surgery to re-attach the kneecap and patellar tendons. Anthroscopic surgery is the most common one, which requires just 4 incisions. The recovery time is usually about 6 months. Post surgery, immobility is advised, using a cast. You can inquire whether a patella stabilizer knee brace can work.
Other Treatments
Hyperthermia thermotherapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, injections with polidocanol and dry needling are other advanced methods used to cure patellar tendonitis. All of these aim to relieve pain for up to 2 years.
Knee braces for runner’s knee or copper fit knee sleeves are often the first line of treatments for sudden pain and inflammation. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the discomfort persists and alters with daily activities.
Jake Popist
