Popliteus Syndrome

Popliteus Tendinopathy / Popliteus Strain

What is Popliteal Syndrome?

Popliteal tendinopathy occurs when the popliteal tendon, a small muscle located at the back of the knee, is overused. This condition, also known as popliteus syndrome, can be caused by several factors.

What Causes Popliteal Tendinopathy?

Various factors can cause popliteal tendinopathy. These factors include overusing the popliteus muscle in activities such as running, experiencing a traumatic knee injury, having chronic instability around the knee, having muscle imbalances in the lower limb, using incorrect exercise techniques, and experiencing fatigue.

What are the Symptoms of Popliteal Tendinopathy?

The most common symptoms of popliteal tendinopathy include:

• Experiencing pain over the outside aspect of the knee that may also radiate to the back of the knee.
• Noticing swelling or redness over the outside of the knee.
• Feeling pain when straightening the knee.
• Experiencing pain when bending the knee from a fully straightened position.
• Experiencing weakness in the knee.
• Feeling a sense of instability or giving way when bearing weight.
• Hearing clicking sounds in the knee.

How is Popliteal Tendinopathy Diagnosed?

To diagnose popliteal tendinopathy, your physiotherapist or sports doctor will examine it to identify signs of the condition. They may also use diagnostic tools such as an MRI or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. We recommend consulting a knee physiotherapist or doctor for an accurate diagnosis and starting treatment for popliteal tendinopathy.

What is the Treatment for Popliteal Tendinopathy?

Physiotherapy

The treatment for popliteal tendinopathy typically involves physiotherapy. Within a few weeks of treatment, many patients experience improvements. The duration of your recovery depends on various factors such as age, previous activity level, adherence to treatment, and the severity and time of your injury.

Your physiotherapy treatment will focus on the following objectives:

• Reducing pain and inflammation.
• Restoring normal joint range of motion.
• Strengthening the muscles surrounding your knee.
• Strengthening other lower limb muscles, including the calves, hips, and pelvic muscles.
• Restoring typical muscle lengths.
• Enhancing your proprioception, agility, and balance.
• Improving your technique and functional movements such as walking, running, squatting, hopping, and landing.
• Minimising the risk of re-injury.

Suppose you have any questions or concerns during any stage of your rehabilitation. In that case, it is important to communicate them to your physiotherapist.

How to Prevent Popliteal Tendinopathy?

To prevent popliteal tendinopathy, you can take several proactive measures:

1. Maintain proper conditioning: Ensure that you have adequate strength and flexibility in the muscles surrounding the knee and the lower limb in general. Training will help support the knee joint and reduce the risk of overloading the popliteal tendon.
2. Gradual progression in activities: When participating in physical activities or sports, gradually increase intensity, duration, and frequency to allow your body to adapt and minimise the stress on the popliteus muscle.
3. Use proper technique: Learn and practice correct exercise and movement techniques to avoid placing excessive strain on the popliteal tendon. Seek guidance from a qualified professional, such as a physiotherapist or coach, if needed.
4. Rest and recovery: Allow sufficient rest periods between tissue repair and recovery activities. Avoid overtraining and excessive repetitive movements that can contribute to overuse injuries.
5. Listen to your body: Pay attention to any early signs of discomfort or pain in the knee area. If you experience any symptoms, modify or decrease your activity level. Consult a knee physiotherapist for appropriate management and guidance.

Remember, seeking the advice and guidance of a knee physiotherapist is crucial for effectively managing and preventing popliteal tendinopathy. They can provide tailored recommendations and assist you in developing an appropriate prevention plan based on your needs and activities.