Patellar Tendinitis, also called "Jumper's Knee," is commonly seen in athletes whose sports require a lot of jumping or repetitive motions.
What is Patellar Tendinitis?
The patellar tendon is located in the front of your knee and attaches from the patella (kneecap) to the upper shin. Patellar tendinitis is common in athletes and is caused by inflammation of the tendon which causes pain in the front of the knee.
Signs and Symptoms
There are a few signs and symptoms that can lead to the diagnosis of patellar tendinitis, these include:
- Pain in the front of the knee specifically at the patellar tendon
- Knee pain after prolonged sitting
- Pain with climbing stairs
Causes and Risk Factors
Some contributing factors as well as common acitivities that may exacerbate this condition include:
- Overall weakness: especially in the quadriceps, hips, and core
- Decreased range of motion: specifically in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and IT band
- Poor positioning of the patella (kneecap)
- Lack of proper footwear
- Repetitive stress to the patella, including recreational activities that involve jumping: volleyball, basketball, etc.
Treatment
Treatment for patellar tendinitis includes:
- Strengthening
- Stretching
- Education regarding proper footwear, activity modification, and proper jumping mechanics
How can Physical Therapy Help?
If you begin to develop anterior knee pain a Physical Therapist can help! They will be able to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation screening for any biomechanical or anatomical risk factors as well as an assessment of strength and flexibility to identify any potential deficits. From there you will be prescribed a tailored stretching and strengthening program to help you start your journey to recovery. It is our mission to help you get back to doing what you love. If you have been experiencing knee pain or you feel you may be at risk for developing patellar tendinitis, our office is offering free screens where you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions with one of our physical therapists.
References
Lankhorst, Nienke, et al. “Factors Associated with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: a Systematic Review.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22815424.
Reinking, Mark F. “Current concepts in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy Section, Dec. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27904789.
Rudavsky, Aliza, and Jill Cook. “Physiotherapy Management of Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee).” Journal of Physiotherapy, Elsevier, 2 Aug. 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955314000915.
