Patellar tendonitis: Treatment, symptoms, advice and help

About patellar tendonitis

Tendon is a term used for band like structures that connect the muscles and bones. Patellar tendon is a tendon running from thigh muscles, incorporating kneecap (patella) and finally attaching to the shinbone. It plays an important role in movement of one’s legs. It also helps the limb muscles in extension of lower leg so that one can carry out activities like kicking a ball, pushing the pedals on bicycle, and jumping.

Patellar tendonitis (also called ‘jumper’s knee) occurs when this tendon gets inflamed as a result of injury. It is most commonly seen in athletes in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

Patellar tendonitis: Incidence, age and sex

Patellar tendonitis more commonly affects boys as compared with girls. It mainly affects sportspersons.

Signs and symptoms of patellar tendonitis: Diagnosis

Pain is the usually the first symptom of patellar tendonitis, which occurs in the course of tendon. Pain may worsen during the physical activity and may persist as a dull ache after a workout or a practice session.

Based on the signs and symptoms and the history of illness, the physician is able to diagnose the condition. Investigations like x-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scan may help in establishing the diagnosis.

Causes and prevention of patellar tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is a common injury that occurs when there is repeated stress on the patellar tendon. The stress results in tiny tears in the tendon, which the body usually tries to repair, but as the tears go on increasing, the body cannot keep up, causing the inflammation in tendon to worsen. Being overweight increases the stress on the patellar tendon. Furthermore, reduced flexibility of the thigh muscles may also amplify the strain on the patellar tendon, making it more prone for an inflammatory injury.

Patellar tendonitis: Complications

If ignored and left untreated, there could be further damage to the tendon. As the leg compensates for the pain in the knee, the thigh muscles and calf muscles may show weakness. Knee pain can persist if the factors contributing to patellar tendonitis are not addressed.

Patellar tendonitis: Treatment

The treatment of patellar tendonitis generally takes a long duration and recovery may take a few weeks or months to even a year. If there is pain, one should first try out self-care measures before seeking medical treatment, such as applying ice packs to the affected area before taking analgesic medications. It is advisable to reduce or avoid exerting physical activities that may trigger the symptoms.

A physical therapist may help in training athletes to distribute force on knee joint evenly during jumping and avoid stressing the patellar tendonitis. A physical therapist may also recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of patella, thigh, and calf. A strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon can help to distribute force away from the tendon itself and direct it through the strap instead. This may help relieve pain. Massaging the patellar tendon may help encourage tendon healing. Surgery may be considered if conservative approaches are not helpful even after a year of treatment.