Pes anserine tendinopathy

Pes anserine tendinopathy is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the inside of the knee. These tendons connect to the tibia bone, and their function is to allow flexion and stability of the knee. Pes anserine tendinopathy can cause significant pain and discomfort in this area.

Diagnosing pes anserine tendinopathy involves careful clinical evaluation and, in some cases, imaging tests.

The doctor will begin by obtaining a medical history that will include questions about the nature and duration of knee pain, activities that trigger or aggravate symptoms, and any previous injuries to the pes anserine area.

During the physical exam, the doctor will evaluate the knee for signs of tendinopathy. Functional tests can be performed to evaluate the strength and function of the muscles and tendons of the pes anserine area, as well as to determine the degree of impairment in mobility and the ability to perform daily activities.

In some cases, imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be performed to evaluate the structure of the tendons and surrounding tissues.

Pes tendinopathy can present in a variety of ways, and patients may exhibit different phenotypes or patterns of presentation. Some of the most common presentations are described below:

  • Acute Tendinopathy: Tendinopathy develops suddenly due to a traumatic injury or excessive strain. The pain can be intense and is accompanied by swelling and weakness in the knee.
  • Chronic Tendinopathy: Chronic tendinopathy is usually the result of gradual wear and tear of the tendons due to repetitive activities, such as running or exercise. Symptoms may develop slowly over time and may include persistent pain, weakness, and limitation of function.
  • Pes anserine bursitis: In some cases, tendinopathy may be associated with pes pes anserine bursitis, which involves inflammation of the synovial bursa in the area. This can cause swelling, pain, and limited mobility.

Treatment of pes tendinopathy depends on the specific phenotype, severity of the condition, and the individual needs of the patient. The most common treatment options are described below:


Treatment:

  • Conservative management:
  • Rest and Limitation of Activities: In acute cases, rest and limitation of activities that aggravate symptoms are essential.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises supervised by a physical therapist can help improve strength and flexibility in the affected area.
  • Physical Therapy Modalities: Ultrasound therapy, shock wave therapy, and other physical therapy modalities can relieve pain and promote healing.

Pharmacological treatment:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation in mild to moderate cases.

In some moderate to severe cases, corticosteroid injections can be given directly to the affected area to successfully reduce inflammation and relieve pain.