Are you suffering from knee pain that just won’t go away? If so, you may be experiencing a condition called distal quad tendinopathy. This condition is caused by overuse of the quadriceps muscles which can result in pain, tenderness, and weakness in the knee area. If you’re experiencing this type of pain you may be wondering if it hurts when resting as it may seem like the pain of distal quad tendinopathy will not go away. In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some helpful tips for managing the pain associated with distal quad tendinopathy.
Distal quad tendinopathy is a common condition that affects many people especially athletes and active individuals. This condition is characterized by pain and tenderness in the quadriceps muscle just above the knee. Symptoms often include pain when bending or straightening the knee, tenderness around the kneecap and weakness in the quadriceps muscle. While the pain associated with distal quad tendinopathy can be bothersome, it generally does not hurt when resting. However, it is important to note that people feel pain differently. Some people may have distal quad tendinopathy pain constantly, but others may have distal quad tendinopathy pain more at night.
That being said, there may be moments of discomfort when resting. For example, if you sit or lie down for an extended period without moving your knee, you may feel some pain or stiffness in the area. However, in general, the pain associated with distal quad tendinopathy is most noticeable when performing activities that put stress on the quadriceps muscle, such as squatting, jumping, or running.
If you’re experiencing pain from distal quad tendinopathy, there are several things you can do to manage your symptoms. First and foremost, be sure to rest your knee as much as possible. Avoid high-impact activities like running or playing sports that put stress on the quadriceps muscle. You can also apply ice to the area to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
In addition to rest and ice, there are several exercises you can do to help strengthen the quadriceps muscle and reduce pain associated with distal quad tendinopathy. These exercises include calf raises, knee extensions, and leg raises. Be sure to work with a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider to develop a customized exercise plan that’s tailored to your individual needs.
Another treatment option for distal quad tendinopathy is chiropractic care. Chiropractors can work to adjust the alignment of your knee joint and spine, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility. They may also use techniques like soft tissue mobilization or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to help break up scar tissue and improve blood flow to the affected area.
In conclusion, distal quad tendinopathy is a common condition that can be both painful and frustrating. While it generally does not hurt when resting, there may be moments of discomfort if you stay in one position for too long. If you’re struggling with this condition, be sure to rest your knee as much as possible and avoid activities that put stress on the quadriceps muscle. Work with your physiotherapist or chiropractor to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. With the right care and management, it’s possible to reduce pain and get back to enjoying the activities you love.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
