Quadriceps Tendinitis Treatment

The quadriceps tendon connects the large muscles of the thigh to the femur, and also, by extending to the patellar tendon, holds the patella (knee bone) in place. Quadriceps tendinitis is a degenerative condition caused by repetitive stress on the quadriceps tendon during sport or exercise, usually activities that involve jumping (basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, track and field, etc.). While a full tear in the quadriceps tendon requires surgery, those suffering from less severe quadriceps tendinitis can take a number of steps to manage the pain and prevent further tendon degeneration.

Reducing the pain and inflammation

• Quadriceps tendinitis stems from chronic inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or ibuprofen for their anti-inflammatory effects. Aspirin and acetaminophen will help ease the pain. You can further reduce the inflammation by following the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method of rehabilitation.

Treatment options during exercise

• Athletes who choose to continue engaging in the activity causing the inflammation (or anything requiring jumping), can take steps to minimize the risk of further tendon degeneration or rupture. Shock-absorbing insoles can help minimize the stress on the tendon, and wearing a patella tendon strap will absorb the force of landing and reduce stress on the tendon further. Your doctor might also prescribe a knee brace to wear during sporting activity.

  Also, take special care to warm up and stretch the quadriceps muscles before exercise. While standing with your back straight, rest one hand on a wall in front of you, while grabbing the ankle of your injured leg with the other hand. Use light tension to pull your heel up to your butt and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Then stretch the other leg.

Strengthening the tendon

• To strengthen the quadriceps tendon, you can perform a number of isometric and eccentric exercises. While seated on the ground, push your knees toward the floor while tightening your quadriceps muscles. Perform this exercise 10 times for each leg, twice daily.

  Eccentric movements generate maximum tension in the quadriceps, and enables strengthening of the tendon. To perform a decline eccentric squat, place a three-inch high board under your heels. Then squat down to a 45-degree angle while placing all of your weight on the affected leg. Using your non-injured leg, straighten both legs and stand back up. Repeat for three sets of 10 repetitions. To increase the difficulty, try holding dumb-bells or plates in your hands.

  You can also perform wall squats with a ball. While standing with your back, shoulders, and head against a wall, place your feet at shoulder width and move them out about two feet in front of you. Then, after putting a soccer or basketball behind your back, slowly lower yourself down until your legs are at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and then slowly return to the starting position. Do this for three sets of 10 repetitions.

  If your doctor recommends that you avoid any impact activities, you can still strengthen your quadriceps tendon. If you have access to a pool, try pool running, eccentric squats and plyometric exercises in the water.