Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee): Causes and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Jinagam M Praveen Kumar , Orthopedic

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Patellar tendonitis, which people often call "jumper's knee," is an overuse injury affecting the patellar tendon, the one that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon is very important for knee movements like running, jumping, and kicking.

When there is repetitive stress without enough rest, small tears and inflammation can develop in the tendon, causing pain and tenderness just below the patella. This condition is quite common among athletes and active people, and it can affect daily activities as well as sports performance.

What are the Different Types of Patellar Tendonitis?

While patellar tendonitis is usually considered a single condition, it can show up in different levels of severity. It is often divided into stages based on how symptoms progress:

• Stage 1: Pain happens only after physical activity.
• Stage 2: Pain is there during and after activity, but performance is not much affected.
• Stage 3: Pain continues during and after activity, and performance is clearly affected.
• Stage 4: Complete tear of the tendon which needs surgery.

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What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Patellar Tendonitis?

Patellar tendonitis develops due to several causes and risk factors that put extra stress on the knee tendon. Understanding these can help in early prevention and timely treatment.

Causes

• Overuse from repetitive activities like jumping, running, or kicking
• Sudden increase in exercise intensity or frequency without proper rest
• Poor biomechanics, such as flat feet or leg length differences
• Muscle imbalances around the knee affect tendon stress

Risk Factors

• Age, especially younger athletes with high activity levels
• Gender, with males more commonly affected
• Training errors, including inadequate warm-up or improper techniques
• Hard playing surfaces and unsuitable footwear
• Previous knee injuries or conditions
• Environmental factors like cold weather reduce tendon flexibility

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What are the Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis?

Recognizing the symptoms of patellar tendonitis is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, especially when pressing on the area just below the kneecap.
• Swelling or thickening of the tendon.
• Stiffness in the knee, particularly in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
• Pain during activities such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs.

The intensity of these symptoms can vary, often worsening with continued activity without appropriate treatment.

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How is Patellar Tendonitis Diagnosed?

A thorough clinical evaluation is very important for diagnosing patellar tendonitis. Healthcare providers usually use a combination of methods:

Clinical Examination

• Physical Assessment: Palpation of the patellar tendon to identify tenderness and swelling.
• Range of Motion Tests: Evaluating knee flexibility and strength to detect imbalances.

Imaging Techniques

• Ultrasound: Provides real-time images of the tendon, highlighting areas of inflammation or degeneration.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Offers detailed views of soft tissue structures, confirming the extent of tendon damage.

Accurate diagnosis is vital for distinguishing patellar tendonitis from other knee pathologies, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome or meniscus injuries.

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What are the Treatment Options for Patellar Tendonitis?

Managing patellar tendonitis involves a multifaceted approach aimed at reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing recurrence.

Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical intervention:

Conservative Treatments

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or modifying activities that aggravate symptoms is fundamental to recovery.
• Physical Therapy: The exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility and stability.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Advanced Interventions

• Corticosteroid Injections: Direct injection of steroids into the tendon to reduce severe inflammation.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy Involves injecting concentrated platelets to promote healing.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) Uses shockwaves to stimulate healing and relieve pain.

Surgical Treatment

In cases where conservative measures fail, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures can include:

• Tendon Debridement: Removing damaged tissue to stimulate healing.
• Tendon Repair or Reconstruction: Reconstructing the tendon in cases of complete tears.

Home Remedies for Patellar Tendonitis

• Rest and avoid activities that cause pain
• Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day
• Use a knee brace or patellar strap for support
• Do gentle stretching for thigh muscles
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Wear supportive footwear

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When to See a Doctor for Patellar Tendonitis?

If knee pain from patellar tendonitis lasts more than two weeks despite rest and home treatment, it's time to consult a doctor. Early medical attention helps prevent the condition from worsening and promotes faster recovery.

Seek prompt consultation if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling that limits movement
• Difficulty walking or bending the knee
• Signs of infection like redness, warmth, or fever
• Recurring symptoms despite treatment

High-risk groups such as athletes, manual laborers, and those with previous knee injuries should be extra cautious and seek advice early to avoid complications. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are important for full recovery.

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What is the Recovery Process After Patellar Tendonitis Treatment?

• After treatment for patellar tendonitis, patients follow a structured recovery plan to ensure proper healing and avoid recurrence.
• Regular follow-up appointments help doctors monitor progress and adjust therapy if needed.
• Gradual return to activity is advised, along with physical therapy exercises to strengthen knee muscles and improve flexibility.
• A balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins supports tissue repair during recovery.
• Avoiding overuse and wearing proper footwear are important to aid healing.
• With timely care, the long-term outlook is generally positive, though some cases may need ongoing management to prevent flare-ups.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Patellar Tendonitis?

To avoid getting patellar tendonitis and its complications, it is important to follow these simple steps:

Prevention

• Lifestyle Changes: Always do proper warm-up and cool-down with dynamic stretches before and after your exercise.
• Strength Exercises: Regularly do exercises to strengthen your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles for better knee support.
• Increase Activity Slowly: Do not suddenly increase the intensity or duration of your workouts; give your body enough rest to recover.
• Wear Good Footwear: Use shoes that provide proper support and cushioning suitable for your activity.

Complications

• If left untreated, patellar tendonitis can become worse, causing chronic pain or even tendon rupture, affecting your movement and daily life.

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Our Experience Treating Patellar Tendonitis

At Medicover, our expert orthopedic doctors understand the pain and trouble caused by patellar tendonitis. We provide personalised treatment and latest therapy to help you recover fast and get back to your daily activities with comfort and confidence.

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