Patellar tendonitis (or tendinitis) is an inflammation of the tendon that joins your patella (kneecap) to your shinbone, otherwise referred to as “Jumper's knee”.
Patellar tendonitis (or tendinitis) is an inflammation of the tendon that joins your patella (kneecap) to your shinbone, otherwise referred to as “Jumper's knee”. When using your leg muscles to push off the ground, this tendon is essential. Essentially, the patellar tendon experiences microscopic rips as a result of repeated stress, which weakens and inflames the tendon. The term "Jumper's Knee" refers to a common condition that affects athletes who frequently leap and land, such as basketball and volleyball players.
One of the signs of patellar tendonitis is soreness below the kneecap. Initially, this discomfort may only be felt during physical exertion, but as the condition worsens, it may develop into a persistent pain. There are four stages of patellar tendonitis (Jumper's knee) which can help with treatment choices:
Patellar tendonitis can be avoided by proper warm-ups before sports, frequent strength training, and maintaining a healthy body weight. The risk of this injury can also be decreased by wearing the appropriate footwear for your sport and, if necessary, by using insoles.
Regarding treatment, the most common methods are physical therapy that helps to strengthen the muscles around the knee, rest and painkillers. Surgery might be required in extreme situations to repair the tendon, such as Stage 4. Please see your doctor if your pain:
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Patellar Tendinitis. Retrieved August 21, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellar-tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376113.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee). Retrieved August 21, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/patellar-tendonitis-jumpers-knee
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