Patellar Tendinitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Patellar Tendinitis is an extremely common maladydegenerative tendon.
that can plague almost anyone, from athletes toCauses of Patellar tendinitis
laborers. Patellar Tendinitis is also known asThe common causes and risk factor's of Patellar
jumpers knee. It is common in people involved intendinitis include the following:
activities that include a lot of running, jumping,Overuse of the knee tendon.
stopping and starting. The patellar tendon is aA sudden, unexpected injury like a fall.
structure that attaches the quadriceps muscleRunning in the "shoulder" of the road.
group to the tibia (shin bone). This tendonFrequent impact to the knee.
connects the patella (kneecap) to the lower legMuscle weakness or imbalance.
bone (tibia). The patella (knee cap) is a sesamoidA sudden increase in the intensity of training.
(floating bone) incorporated into the patellarLack of proper stretching.
tendon. ellar tendinitis is seen in athletesSymptoms of Patellar tendinitis
participating in sports such as volleyball, basketball,Some sign and symptoms related to Patellar
the high jump and soccer. Patellar tendinitis is thetendinitis are as follows:
term used to describe inflammation of the patellarPain and tenderness in the patellar tendon below
tendon. It occurs when you place repeated stressthe knee.
on your patellar tendon, often when you suddenlySwelling in your knee joint or swelling where the
increase the intensity or frequency of yourpatellar tendon attaches to the shinbone.
workouts. In extreme cases, the patellar tendonProgress to be present before, during and after
may become damaged to the point of completephysical activity.
rupture. Pain from patellar tendinitis is felt in the"Snapping" sensation with squat motion.
area just below the patella. There may be swellingBecome a constant ache that can make it difficult
in and around the patellar tendon and it may beto sleep at night.
sensitive to touch.Pain with activities, such as jumping, running, or
Patellar tendonitis can also happen to people whowalking.
have problems with the way their hips, legs,Treatment of Patellar tendinitis
knees, or feet are aligned. Examination techniquesHere is list of the methods for treating Patellar
that detect tenderness and swelling in or aroundtendinitis:
the patellar tendon are helpful in determining ifApply ice or a cold pack to the knee for 15-20
someone has patellar tendinitis. The pain canminutes, every 4 hours, for 2-3 days. Wrap the
become continuous both at rest and duringice or cold pack in a towel.
training; unfortunately it is only at this later stageNaproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
that athletes tend to seek medical advice. TheHeat therapy prior to activity followed by
patellar tendon may sometimes tear completely,increased stretching.
or rupture, during strenuous activity. The patellarRest & Immobilization.
tendon becomes inflamed and tender due toNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
overuse. Overuse injuries of the patellar tendonfor pain and swelling.
occur when you repeat a particular activity untilSpecial stretching exercises to loosen up the
there is micro-failure of the tissue that makes upmuscle.
the substance of the tendon. The best course ofAnother helpful tool is to apply a strap above the
treatment for jumper's knee is to discontinue anyknee with pressure placed just above the site of
activity that is causing the condition, until theirritation (above the lateral epicondyle). This band
injury is healed. A MRI is useful in patients withhelps dissipate the tension on the tendon.
chronic patellar tendonitis to look for areas of