Patellar Tendonitis

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Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) and its Treatment

What is Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)?

Patellar Tendonitis, also called jumper's Knee , is pain in the band of tissue (the patellar tendon) that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia).

How does Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) occur?

• Patellar Tendonitis is mainly caused by too much jumping. Other activities which could lead to jumper's are too much running, walking, or bicycling. All of these activities put repeated stress on the patellar tendon, causing it to be inflamed.
• Patellar Tendonitis can also happen to people who have problems with the way their hips, legs, knees, or feet are aligned. This alignment problem can result from having wide hips, being knock-kneed, or having feet with arches that collapse when you walk or run, a condition called over- pronation.
• Jumper's knee is most common in weight lifters, football, cricket, tennis and badminton players.

Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee):

• Pain at the bottom of the kneecap or petellar tendon especially when pressing in.
• Swelling in your knee joint or swelling where the patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone.
• Pain while jumping, running, or walking especially downhill or downstairs.
• Pain with bending or straightening the leg.
• Tenderness behind the kneecap.

Treatment of Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee):

• You should rest completely in the early stages of injury and apply R.I.C.E.(ice therapy) treatment.
• Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Your doctor may prescribe a band to wear across the patellar tendon, called an infra-patellar strap, or prescribe a special knee brace. The strap or brace will support your patellar tendon, preventing it from further damage.
• If you have a problem with over-pronation, your doctor may prescribe custom-made arch supports called orthotics.
• See a physical therapist who could tell you some rehabilitation exercises and make you recover soon.
• While you are recovering from your injury you will need to change your sport or activity to one that does not make your condition worse. For example, you may need to swim instead of playing basketball.

When can I return to my sport or activity?

The goal of any rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon and as safely as possible. But, if you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from a injury at a different rate. Returning to your sport or activity will be determined by your recovering ability, the sooner your knee recovers, the sooner you would be able to return to your sport or activity. Returning to your sport or activity is not determined by how many days or weeks have passed since your injury occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms of the injury, the longer it will take you to get better.

You may safely return to your sport or activity when, each of the following is true:

• Your knee can be fully straightened and bent without any pain.
• Your knee and leg have regained normal strength as before the injury.
• Your knee is not swollen.
• You are able to jog straight ahead without any pain or limping.
• You are able to sprint straight ahead without any pain or limping.
• You are able to jump on your both legs without any pain.

Prevention of Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee):

Jumper's Knee is usually caused by overuse during activities such as jumping or running. It can best be prevented by having strong thigh muscles and by doing proper warm ups such as running, sit ups, or with the help of any of the popular fitness equipments such as treadmill, steppers, dumbbells, home gyms, exercise bikes, strength trainers, etc.. before starting any sport.

A sports injury professional or doctor could:

• Prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
• Use ultrasound or laser treatment.
• Provide a massage.
• Provide a full rehabilitation program.
• Operate if it is too bad.