Patellar Tendonitis

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: 

• Stage 1: No functional disruption, pain only after activity: The knee may feel a little sore during this stage after engaging in vigorous exercise or activity. It has no negative effects on performance capability or quality. 
• Stage 2: Pain during and after exercise, but unaffected performance: At this point, the discomfort may start during warm-up, subside once the action begins, and then come back after. 
• Stage 3: Performance is impacted by pain during and after activity: The level of pain rises and starts to limit one's capacity to engage in sports or other activities. 
• Stage 4: The tendon may be completely or partially torn in stage 4, which is the most serious stage of the condition. This can call for extensive recovery time and surgery. 

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: 

• Continues or worsens 
• Interferes with your ability to perform routine daily activities 
• Is associated with swelling or redness about the joint 

References

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