Torn Tendon in Knee

What is a Torn Tendon in Knee?

Another common cause of knee pain is a torn tendon in the knee. Tendons serve to connect muscles to bones. Because of this, there are many tendons in many different parts of the body. If you or a loved one experiences knee pain, a torn tendon in the knee is one possible explanation.

What Causes a Torn Tendon in Knee?

Quadricep tendons and patellar tendons are the two types of tendons that may cause knee pain when torn. Common causes of a torn tendon in the knee may include, but are not limited to:

  • Sports injuries, especially from sports that involve running or jumping
  • Falling
  • Direct contact to the front of the knee
  • Awkward landings from jumping

Symptoms of a Torn Tendon in Knee

While knee pain is common for both types of a torn tendon in the knee, symptoms of a torn tendon in the knee vary depending on the type of torn tendon in the knee.

Symptoms of a patellar tendon tear include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • An indent near the bottom of the kneecap
  • The kneecap moves up into the thigh
  • Bruising on or around the knee
  • A feeling of tenderness around the knee
  • Knee cramps
  • Challenges with walking
  • Knee pain

Symptoms of a quadricep tendon tear include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • An indent toward the top of the kneecap
  • The kneecap appears to sag
  • Bruising on or around the knee
  • A sensation of tenderness around the knee
  • Knee cramps
  • Struggling to walk because the knee doesn't provide sufficienet support
  • Knee pain

How to Treat a Torn Tendon in Knee

Both types of a torn tendon in the knee have similar treatments. Common treatments for a torn tendon in the knee include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Immobilizing the knee through the use of a knee brace
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery to treat a torn tendon in the knee

Are you or a loved one experiencing knee pain? A torn tendon in the knee could be the cause. Treatment for a torn tendon in the knee depends on the severity. An SOS knee specialist can diagnose if your knee pain is caused by a torn tendon in the knee, then create a treatment plan.

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