Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
The biceps femoris tendon is one of the hamstring muscle tendons. Injury to this tendon causes pain at the outside, back of the knee.
Symptoms of Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
- Tenderness and swelling over the bit where the tendon inserts onto the bone (tendonitis).
- With Biceps femoris tendinopathy the tender area is to the outside/back of the knee. If the other two tendons are involved there may be tenderness medially.
- Pain when you try to bend the knee against resistance.
- Stiffness after exercise.
- The hamstring muscles are usually tight, meaning hip flexion range of motion is limited.
What is Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
The hamstring muscles consist of the Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus. These muscles are used to bend (flex) the knee and extend the hip (move the thigh backwards). Inflammation of these muscles can result from a partial rupture that has not healed properly or through overuse, particularly accelerating and decelerating. Most commonly the Biceps femoris tendon is involved. This is the one hamstring muscle which attaches to the outside of the back of the knee.
Treatment of Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
What can the athlete do?
- Rest and apply ice or cold therapy.
- See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.
What can a sports injury specialist do?
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
- Apply ultrasound or laser treatment.
- Prescribe a full rehabilitation programme consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Eccentric exercises are very beneficial in treating tendinopathies.
- Sports massage techniques are usually helpful.
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