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PRP and Shockwave Therapy for Quad and Patellar Tendonitis: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Injections
Quadriceps tendonitis and patellar tendonitis (often called jumper’s knee) are common causes of pain in the front of the knee. These conditions occur when the tendons that connect the quadriceps muscle and kneecap (patella) become overloaded and develop small areas of degeneration. These injuries are common in runners, athletes, and active individuals, but they can also develop gradually over time from repetitive stress.
Many patients are treated with steroid injections, which may temporarily reduce pain but do not repair the damaged tendon. In fact, steroid injections can weaken tendon tissue and may increase the risk of tendon rupture, particularly in weight-bearing tendons like the quadriceps or patellar tendon.
Because of this, regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP and shockwave therapy are increasingly used to stimulate healing rather than simply masking symptoms. At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, we frequently use these treatments to help patients recover from chronic tendon injuries and return to activity.
High-Dose PRP for Quad and Patellar Tendonitis
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is created from a small sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets and healing growth factors. At our clinic we typically use high-dose PRP (double-spin PRP), which produces a higher concentration of healing factors than standard PRP systems.
These growth factors are injected directly into the injured tendon using ultrasound guidance.
High-dose PRP may help treat:
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
• Quadriceps tendonitis
• Chronic tendon degeneration
• Persistent knee pain with activity
PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response within the tendon, helping support tissue repair and improved tendon strength over time.
Shockwave Therapy for Tendon Healing
Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries.
Shockwave therapy may help:
• Increase blood flow to the injured tendon
• Stimulate tissue regeneration
• Break up degenerative tendon tissue
• Activate the body’s natural healing response
Shockwave is often used prior to PRP injections to help activate the tendon and improve the effectiveness of regenerative treatment.
Treating the Entire Tendon Complex
Quad and patellar tendon injuries often involve more than a single point of pain. Degeneration may occur along different portions of the tendon and its attachment points around the knee.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we often evaluate and treat the entire tendon complex rather than injecting just one location.
Treatment may include:
• Shockwave therapy across the degenerative tendon region
• Ultrasound-guided PRP injections into the injured tendon
• Addressing surrounding tendon fibers contributing to pain
By improving the overall health of the tendon, regenerative treatments may lead to better long-term recovery.
Quad and Patellar Tendonitis Treatment in Raleigh and Cary
Regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP and shockwave therapy allow physicians to stimulate healing without relying on repeated steroid injections.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR QUAD & PATELLAR TENDONITIS PAIN
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections).
When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
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Ultrasound-Guided Tendon Fenestration: Using the ultrasound we can target the tendon with the needle to stimulate healing of the diseased portion.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT QUAD & PATELLAR TENDONITIS
Causes of Quad Tendonitis Quad tendonitis is primarily caused by overuse or repetitive stress placed on the quadriceps tendon. Activities that involve frequent jumping, running, or heavy lifting put excessive strain on the tendon, leading to microtears and inflammation. Sports like basketball, volleyball, and track are common contributors due to the explosive movements required. A sudden increase in activity intensity or volume without proper conditioning can also trigger tendonitis. Additionally, muscle imbalances, such as weak quadriceps or tight hamstrings, can increase stress on the tendon. Poor technique during physical activities, such as improper landing mechanics, can exacerbate the condition. Age-related factors, such as decreased tendon flexibility, also play a role, as tendons become less resilient over time. Causes of Patellar Tendonitis Patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee, is caused by repetitive strain on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is commonly seen in athletes involved in sports that require frequent jumping or sudden changes in direction, such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The constant stress on the tendon from these movements leads to inflammation and microscopic damage. Improper training techniques, inadequate warm-up, or rapid increases in intensity can also lead to the condition. Other factors like poor biomechanics, weak quadriceps, and tight muscles contribute to uneven load distribution, placing additional stress on the patellar tendon.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013