Patellar Tendinitis, commonly known as jumper's knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone. This tendon plays a crucial role in how you use your leg muscles, particularly when jumping, kicking, and running.
The primary indicator of patellar tendinitis is pain directly on the tendon, located just below the kneecap.
Localized Tenderness: The area between the kneecap and the top of the shinbone feels painful to the touch.
Activity-Induced Pain: Pain typically starts during or immediately after physical activity. As the condition progresses, the discomfort may interfere with daily movements like rising from a chair or walking down stairs.
Morning Stiffness: You may notice a sensation of stiffness in the knee first thing in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
Swelling: In more advanced cases, mild swelling or a slight thickening of the tendon may be visible.
A diagnosis is usually reached through a clinical examination
Physical Exam
Ultrasound: This is an effective, real-time tool to visualize the thickness of the tendon and check for small tears or signs of chronic inflammation.
MRI: In persistent or severe cases, an MRI can provide a detailed view of the internal structure of the tendon to rule out a partial tear.
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and gradually increase the tendon's ability to handle force.
Physical Therapy:
Eccentric strengthening is the most effective long-term treatment. It involves exercises where the muscle lengthens under tension, such as slow, controlled squats.
Heavy slow resistance training to gradually increase the weight and decrease the speed of exercises helps the tendon fibers remodel and become stronger.
Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can provide short-term relief from pain.
Patellar Tendon Straps: A small strap worn just below the kneecap can help distribute pressure away from the injured area during activity.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections can be considered