Can Knee Tendinitis Be Treated Without Surgery?

Yes, knee tendinitis can often be treated without surgery. Here’s how:

1. Change Your Activities: Avoid movements that cause pain, like jumping or running until you strengthen or your muscles and calm down the inflammation.
2. Medications: Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Physical Therapy: A key part of treatment is physical therapy, especially exercises concentrating on improving quad strength while not causing increased pain. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) is a great tool for strengthening the quadriceps muscles with light loads to minimize pain on the tendons.
4. Supportive Gear: A knee strap or compression sleeve can help reduce pain and inflammation. The knee strap can take some pressure off the patellar tendon.
5. Shock Wave Therapy: Another option for persistent symptoms, shock wave therapy, can also provide relief by helping promote healing and repair of soft tissue.

Typically, symptoms improve within 6 months with these treatments. If these methods don’t work, surgery might be needed.