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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you think you're experiencing patellar tendinitis, consider these approaches to pain relief at home:

  • Avoid activity that causes pain. This may mean reducing how often you practice or temporarily switching to a lower impact sport. Don't try to work through the pain, as this can further damage your patellar tendon.
  • Ice. Apply ice after activity that causes pain. Place ice in a plastic bag and wrap the bag in a towel. Or try an ice massage. Freeze water in a plastic foam cup and hold the cup as you apply the ice directly to your skin. The cold will help to relieve your pain and reduce swelling.
References
  1. Hudgins TH. Jumper's knee. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/918424682/1678/67.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50066-3--cesec4_1064. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  2. Choi L. Overuse injuries. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/918424682/2079/17.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0125_1247. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  3. Miller TT. Common tendon and muscle injuries: Lower extremity. Ultrasound Clinics. 2007;2:595.
  4. Azar FM. Traumatic disorders. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/0/1584/351.html?tocnode=55688624&fromURL=351.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50049-0--cesec7_2498. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  5. Khan K, et al. Overview of the management of overuse (chronic) tendinopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  6. Cucurulo T, et al. Surgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy in athletes. A retrospective multicentric study. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research.2009;95:78.
  7. Rees JD. Management of tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009;37:1855.
  8. James SLJ, et al. Ultrasound guided dry needling and autologous blood injection for patellar tendinosis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2007;41:518.
  9. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 23, 2009.
DS00625 Jan. 8, 2010

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