Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)

Patellar tendinitis is an injury that affects the tendon connecting your knee cap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon helps your muscles extend your lower leg so that you can kick a ball, pedal your bicycle and jump up in the air.

Causes

• Commonly known as jumper's knee, patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes who are involved in frequent jumping, running or kicking.
• Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury as a result of repeated stress on your patellar tendon. The stress results in tears in the tendon that, as they become more numerous, cause inflammation in the tendon.

Symptoms

• Knee pain is the first symptom of patellar tendinitis. It worsens with physical activity.
• Knee pain is usually relieved with rest but may be persistent in severe cases.
• Swelling may be present.

Diagnosis

• Usually made on case history and clinical examination.

Treatment

• The conservative approach to treating patellar tendinitis aims to reduce strain on the tendon and to gradually build up the tendon's strength.
• Your doctor may suggest that you avoid running and jumping and recommend physiotherapy to stretch the tendon and quadriceps, with the aim of returning to your previous level of exercise intensity.
• Medications to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation may also be given.
• A patellar tendon strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon to distribute force away from the tendon may be given to relieve knee pain.

Ref: S13

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