The knee joint bears the load of almost all human activity, including walking, running, climbing the stairs, or getting off a chair. The muscles and tendons around the load-bearing joint also get activated, playing crucial roles in its smooth functioning. The patellar tendon, which connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone) is an active participant while the knee is extended. A rupture in the tendon, be it a complete or a partial tear, can be painful.
The patellar tendon is part of the extensor mechanism of the knee. The thigh muscles and the patella work during knee extensions and help a person stand, locking the joint in a particular position. Any rupture to the patellar tendon can be detrimental and can lead to pain while walking or performing activities like climbing or descending stairs. Prolonged tendinosis can be debilitating.
Causes of patellar tendon rupture
“Patellar tendon tears are of two types,” says Dr Swapnil Keny, consultant orthopedic at Fortis Kalyan, Mumbai. “The first type is caused by trauma, like injury or a road accident. The second one occurs when the tendon has become weak due to preexisting illness or the use of certain medications.”
Dr Keny shares, “The knee tendon tear in older individuals is seen because of some preexisting medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, or in those who suffer from chronic kidney disorders and are on dialysis. These conditions cause metabolic abnormalities leading to tendinosis in various tendons in the body, including the patellar tendon. This gets affected more as it is part of the knee joint and bears quite a lot of load besides undergoing regular wear and tear. In terms of medications, the use of steroids is the main cause of patellar tendinosis.”
Sudden overuse of the knee joint can also lead to patellar tendon tear. Dr Keny explains, “A person may have an active lifestyle without being trained enough to undertake certain types of activities or loads — the muscles may not have the required strength. In case of sudden overloading, you could have a tear in the patellar tendon.”
Patellar tendon rupture prevention
The patellar tendon rupture caused due to trauma or injury is unavoidable. However, the rupture caused due to the weakening of the tendons can be avoided by adopting certain preventive measures.
“For maintaining good tendon health, lead an active lifestyle with regular exercise and walking activity,” says Dr Keny. “Moreover, it is crucial to eat a balanced diet rich in collagen, vitamins K & C, calcium and protein. And those who have diabetes should ensure that their blood glucose levels are under control.”
Treatment of patellar tendon rupture
If there is a complete tear in the patellar tendon, surgical intervention is needed. Partial tears can be managed with non-surgical measures, including making the knee joint immobile for a substantial period to aid recovery. Prolonged rest followed by physiotherapy sessions is the cornerstone of treatment. A knee brace can be used for support and to prevent further injuries while moving.
Takeaways
- Weakening of the tendons due to preexisting medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or chronic kidney disorders is one of the major causes of patellar tendon rupture in older people.
- A sudden increase in physical activity can also cause knee tendon tear.
- Following an active lifestyle while consuming a balanced diet is the key to avoiding a tear in the patellar tendon and keeping it healthy.
