Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon. This can be from injury or from overuse. Tendon injuries including chronic tendonitis are referred to as tendonosis.
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Tendonitis
There are 3 main tendons in the knee which can become inflamed and cause tendonitis.
- Patella tendonitis. Sometimes referred to as “jumpers knee” (front of the knee, below the knee cap)
- Quadriceps Tendonitis (front of the knee, above the knee cap)
- Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (outer side of knee)
Knee tendonitis can be aggravated by conditions including rheumatoid arthritis.
Knee tendonitis treatment
Often mild cases of tendonitis will resolve with a few days rest and application of ice. Painkillers including anti-inflammatories can be used briefly. If the pain persists, is recurrent or is due to an injury, your GP may recommend further treatment or referral to a specialist.
London Knee Specialists provides a full investigation and treatment service including all conservative treatments, minimally invasive treatments and surgery. London Imaging at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth provides ultrasound scanning and the latest 3T MRI technology, with same day results available in most cases.
Physiotherapy
London Knee Specialists has a dedicated physiotherapy team based at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth and are equipped to
Injection therapies
Your consultant may recommend an injection into the tendon or surrounding area. Common injections include a steroid based anti-inflammatory, a local anaesthetic or a combination of the two.
Dry needling
This involves a specialist puncturing the tendon several times with a needle containing no treatment. The micro bleeds caused by this procedure can promote healing.
Blood product injections
This can be done in combination with dry needling. A blood sample is taken and treated so certain elements within the blood are concentrated. This is then injected back into the tendon to promote healing.
Surgery
In severe cases of tendonitis / tendonosis, surgery may be required to remove a small portion of the affected tendon or to release the tension in surrounding tissues.
An arthroscopy and washing out of the joint can help in cases where there is calcification of the tendon or when the tendonitis is secondary to another condition.
Your Consultant can advise you on the most suitable investigations and treatment options for your condition and lifestyle.
Tendonitis appointments
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment.
If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
If you are suffering with knee tendonitis then we recommend booking an appointment with one of our specialists. You can contact us by calling 020 7432 8328 or emailing [email protected]
Knee Clinic
The Knee Unit at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital comprises a dedicated team specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain and stiffness caused by knee conditions or injuries.
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Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 7432 8328.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
