Treatment of Patellar Tendonitis
Treatment for patellar tendonitis is usually focused on pain reduction. A person will need to rest the affected leg, apply ice to the area, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
Further treatment will depend on the injury, a person's age, and how active they are. Small or partial tears can often be treated with rest and gentle exercises.
A doctor may suggest wearing a knee brace to keep the knee straight and help the tendon to heal.
A person should wear the brace for 3 to 6 weeks and may need to use crutches to support their weight.
Physical therapy can help to gradually restore movement as the tendon heals. A physical therapist may also recommend strengthening and stretching exercises to do at home.
A complete tear may require surgery, to reattach the tendon to the kneecap. Complete recovery may take 6 months.