Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon plays an important role in the way you use your leg muscles as it assists your muscles to extend your knee. Patellar tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, most often seen in younger athletes who do repetitive jumping and the reason patellar tendinitis is often called “jumper’s knee.” Patellar tendinitis is most often seen in participants of sports including basketball and volleyball, although can also be seen in runners and other types of athletes.
Causes:
Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury. It occurs when you place repeated stress on your patellar tendon. The stress results in tiny tears in the tendon, which your body attempts to repair. But as the tears in the tendon become more numerous, they cause pain from inflammation and a weakening of the tendon structure. When this tendon damage persists over more than a few weeks, it is called tendinopathy.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain directly over the patellar tendon
- Pain with activity
- Aching pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- A crunching sensation over the swollen tendon.
Examination may include:
- Medical History
- Physical Examination
- X-ray
- MRI
Range of treatment:
- Rest
- Ice
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Injections
- Surgery
