Quadriceps Tendinopathy (Patella Attachment)

What is Quadriceps Tendinopathy?

The four muscles at the front of the thigh are called the quadriceps. They attach via a tendon, both at the top (to the pelvis and thigh bone) and the bottom (to the knee cap) and either of these tendons can become injured. In this case, it is the lower attachment at the patella.

A tendinopathy is a degenerative condition of the tendon, where small micro tears cause pain and inflammation. This kind of injury develops gradually, usually due to repetitive overuse, rather than a sudden event.

Symptoms of Quadriceps Tendinopathy

• Pain just above the knee on contracting the muscle, during and after exercise.
• Tenderness when feeling the area just above the kneecap.
• Stiffness after activity.

Treatment

• Rest from aggravating activities.
• Apply cold therapy to ease pain and inflammation.
• You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
• Gently stretch the quad muscles.
• Sports massage can help to loosen the quad muscles.
• In persistent cases, a corticosteroid injection may be used.

Recommended Products:

• Cold therapy - ice packs and wraps can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling.
• Knee supports - may be useful to provide support, heat retention and compression to the knee joint.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Quadriceps tendinopathy and other knee pains.