AN OVERVIEW OF PATELLAR TENDONITIS AKA JUMPER’S KNEE
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper's knee, is a common condition characterized by pain, inflammation, and degeneration of the patellar tendon. This tendon connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It is often seen in athletes, especially those involved in jumping sports, hence the name jumper's knee. In this post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for patellar tendonitis.
Causes:
Patellar tendonitis is primarily caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the patellar tendon. Activities that involve repetitive jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, or high-impact training, can strain the tendon, leading to microscopic tears and degeneration. Factors that can contribute to the development of patellar tendonitis include poor biomechanics, inadequate warm-up or cool-down, muscle imbalances, tightness or weakness in the surrounding muscles, and training errors such as sudden increases in intensity or volume.
Symptoms:
The main symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain localized at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. The pain may initially be mild and occur only during physical activity, particularly when jumping or landing. However, as the condition progresses, the pain can become more persistent and may be experienced even during daily activities such as climbing stairs or prolonged sitting. Tenderness, swelling, and warmth may also be present around the patellar tendon.
Diagnosis:
A healthcare professional can diagnose patellar tendonitis based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. During the physical examination, the healthcare provider may palpate the patellar tendon to assess for tenderness throughout the range of motion of the knee. In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to visualize the extent of the tendon damage and rule out other possible causes of knee pain.
Treatment:
The treatment of patellar tendonitis focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, promoting healing, and addressing the underlying causes. Common treatment options include:
1. Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms and allowing sufficient rest for the tendon to heal is essential. This may involve temporarily modifying or reducing sports participation or incorporating low-impact activities during the recovery phase.
2. Physical therapy: A structured rehabilitation program under the guidance of a physical therapist can help improve the strength, flexibility, and biomechanics of the surrounding muscles. Exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and eccentric exercises (gradually loading the tendon during lengthening).
3. Patellar tendon strap: This strap may help reduce or redistribute tension across the tendon to temporarily relieve pain. This strap should be used in conjunction with an excellent rehabilitation program.
4. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
5. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood into the affected area to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
In rare cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, more invasive options like surgical intervention may be indicated. Surgical procedures may involve removing damaged tissue, repairing or releasing tight structures, or promoting tendon healing through techniques like debridement or tenotomy. Surgical intervention is usually not required to treat this condition.
If you are dealing with jumper’s knee, please feel free to reach out to us for an evaluation.