Book Now Book Now

Quadriceps Tendinopathy


Quadriceps Tendinopathy

Quadriceps tendinopathy describes damage and irritation to the quadriceps tendon which results in painful symptoms at the top of the knee. The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh to the patella (kneecap) and works to straighten the knee from a bent position.  

What causes quadriceps tendinopathy?

Quadriceps tendinopathy is generally an overuse injury, occurring from excess strain and pressure on the quadriceps tendon past the point that it can safely handle. Any activity that overloads the quadriceps can cause tendinopathy, and many factors can contribute its development. These include:

  • Knee alignment problems, including irregular patellar tracking and associated knee conditions
  • A sudden increase in intensity of activity that overloads the quadriceps
  • Abnormal foot biomechanics
  • Tightness in muscles and tissues such as the iliotibial band
  • Unsupportive footwear
  • Squatting exercises and weight-lifting
  • Running sports and activities
  • Improper training technique

 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms generally occur at the front and top of the knee, and may include: Pain and tenderness

  • Swelling
  • Aching that radiates into the thigh
  • Stiffness in the knee joint
  • Pain on standing from a squatting position

 

How is it treated?

Treatment starts with following the PRICE principles (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation) to alleviate the painful symptoms. The focus is then on allowing the tendon to heal and reducing the likelihood of future re-injury. This may include:

  • Orthotics to reduce pressure away from the quadriceps tendon and correct any abnormal foot biomechanics
  • Footwear assessment to ensure the shoes are helping and not hindering recovery
  • Stretching tight muscles that may have contributed to overloading of the tendon, including the quadriceps once healing and repair have occurred
  • Strengthening weak muscles
  • Activity modification to reduce the load on the quadriceps tendon until it has healed
  • Strapping the knee to temporarily help relieve symptoms and facilitate healing and repair

 

Laser Pain Relief: The Answer To Your Foot Pain?
Ongoing Heel Pain? Shockwave Could Be Your Answer
Podiatrist Toenail Transformation To Healthy And Clear: Here’s How
Tingling Feet After Exercise: Should You Be Concerned?
Are My High Heels Changing My Foot Shape Permanently?
Shockwave Treatment For Foot And Leg Pain
Shockwave vs Laser For Heel And Foot Pain: Which Is Best?
Does Your Ingrown Toenail Have A Fungal Nail Infection?
Shockwave Therapy For Injury Recovery & Pain Relief
Not Just An Ingrown Toenail: Osteomyelitis Case Review
Verruca Removal Auckland
The Best Medical Pedicure In Auckland?
What Are The Red Flags For An Ingrown Toenail?
What Makes Hip Dysplasia Worse In Babies?
Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Painful?
Who Is The Right Specialist To See For Foot Pain?
Buying School Shoes Online? How To Measure Kids Feet Accurately
Signs You Need Permanent Correction For Your Ingrown Toenails
Choosing The Right Expert: Why A Podiatrist Is Your Best Bet For Foot And Ankle Pain
Caring for Ageing Feet: How Your Podiatrist Helps
Does Your Leg And Foot Posture At Your Desk Really Matter?
Ingrown Toenails And Sports: How To Prevent And Manage Pain During Activity
NZ Skiing and Snowboarding: Injury Prevention Tips From Your Podiatrist
Ingrown Toenails In The Elderly: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
Signs Your Ingrown Toenail Needs Help From Your Podiatrist
Best Footwear For Foot Pain
How to Care for Ingrown Toenails After Surgery: Tips for Quick Recovery
Podiatry Tips For Protecting Your Feet This Winter
Ingrown Toenails and Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What’s The Alternative To Orthotics?
How to Choose the Right Shoes to Avoid Ingrown Toenails
How Can I Prevent And Treat Blisters On My Feet?
Does My Baby Have An Ingrown Toenail?
How Can I Prevent And Treat Foot Odour?
Debunking Ingrown Toenail Treatment Recommendations
Signs Your Heel Pain Is From A Heel Spur


Keeping you healthy and performing at your best

Keeping your family on their feet and helping them to walk, run, play and exceed their goals is why we love getting up in the morning.

We're located inside the One Health medical centre at Building 122 Remuera Rd, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand

MON - SAT 8:30am – 6:00pm
SUN Closed

Make an Appointment

(09) 523 2333 (09) 523 2333

Online Schedule

Book here Book here

Send us a message

Name
 
Email Address
Message