What Is Patellar Tendinitis?
Patellar tendinitis, commonly known as Jumper’s Knee, is a condition that involves inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common in athletes who participate in sports that involve frequent jumping, running, or sudden directional changes, such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Overuse of the knee joint leads to tiny tears in the patellar tendon, causing pain and discomfort just below the kneecap. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for patellar tendinitis, helping patients recover from knee pain and return to their activities.
Patellar tendinitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the patellar tendon becomes inflamed or damaged. The patellar tendon plays a crucial role in straightening the knee during activities like jumping, running, and kicking. Repeated stress on the tendon can lead to microtears, inflammation, and weakening of the tissue, which results in pain and limited mobility.
The condition is often seen in athletes and is commonly referred to as “Jumper’s Knee” because it is particularly prevalent in sports that require frequent jumping motions. However, non-athletes can also develop patellar tendinitis due to repetitive stress or strain on the knee joint.
Causes of Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the knee joint, but several factors can contribute to the development of this condition. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Overuse: Repetitive jumping, running, or squatting places stress on the patellar tendon, leading to inflammation and microtears over time.
- Sudden Increase in Activity: An abrupt increase in the intensity or frequency of physical activity can strain the knee joint, especially if the body is not properly conditioned.
- Improper Training Techniques: Poor technique during physical activities, such as improper landing mechanics after a jump, can place excessive stress on the patellar tendon.
- Tight Leg Muscles: Tight quadriceps or hamstrings can increase tension on the patellar tendon, making it more prone to injury.
- Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles surrounding the knee joint, such as the quadriceps or calves, can lead to overcompensation by the patellar tendon.
- Hard Surfaces: Exercising or playing sports on hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, can increase the impact on the knee and contribute to patellar tendinitis.
Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis
The symptoms of patellar tendinitis typically develop gradually and may worsen with continued physical activity. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Knee Pain: Pain just below the kneecap is the most common symptom of patellar tendinitis. Initially, the pain may only occur during physical activity, but as the condition progresses, it can become constant, even during rest.
- Tenderness and Swelling: The area around the patellar tendon may become tender to the touch and slightly swollen.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee, particularly after periods of inactivity or when first waking up, is a common symptom of patellar tendinitis.
- Weakness or Buckling: The knee may feel weak or unstable, particularly when jumping, running, or climbing stairs. In severe cases, the knee may even buckle or give way.
- Limited Range of Motion: Pain and inflammation may limit the knee's ability to bend or straighten fully.
Diagnosis of Patellar Tendinitis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing patellar tendinitis involves a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging tests to assess the extent of the injury and develop a personalized treatment plan.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will evaluate the knee joint, checking for tenderness, swelling, and pain during movement. They may ask about your activity level, recent changes in physical activity, and specific symptoms to help identify the cause of the pain.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: While X-rays cannot detect damage to the tendon, they may be used to rule out other potential causes of knee pain, such as fractures or arthritis.
- Ultrasound or MRI: In cases of chronic or severe patellar tendinitis, an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to provide detailed images of the tendon and assess the extent of damage or inflammation.
Treatment for Patellar Tendinitis
Treatment for patellar tendinitis at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and allowing the tendon to heal. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the knee, such as jumping, running, or squatting, is crucial to allowing the patellar tendon to heal. Resting the knee and modifying physical activity can help reduce stress on the tendon.
- Ice and Compression: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, particularly after physical activity. Compression with an elastic bandage may also help control swelling.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the knee.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating patellar tendinitis. A personalized rehabilitation program will include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce tension on the patellar tendon. Eccentric strengthening exercises, in which the muscles lengthen while under tension, are particularly effective in treating tendinitis.
- Bracing or Taping: Wearing a patellar tendon strap or using taping techniques can help relieve pressure on the tendon and provide support during physical activity.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the patellar tendon to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. However, these injections are typically used with caution, as they may weaken the tendon over time.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely required for patellar tendinitis but may be considered if non-surgical treatments do not provide relief after several months. Surgical options include:
- Tendon Debridement: This procedure involves removing damaged tissue from the patellar tendon to promote healing. It is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and specialized instruments.
- Tendon Repair: In severe cases where the tendon is significantly damaged, surgery may be required to repair the torn tissue. This procedure is also usually performed arthroscopically.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from patellar tendinitis depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within several weeks to months with proper rest and physical therapy.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients undergoing non-surgical treatments will typically begin physical therapy as soon as the acute pain subsides. Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving tendon health and preventing future injuries. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 6-12 weeks.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the knee may need to be immobilized for a short period to allow healing, followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the knee. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to sports or physical activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free activity.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Patellar Tendinitis?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with patellar tendinitis, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is committed to helping patients relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you’re an athlete looking to get back to your sport or someone dealing with knee pain, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to guide you through your recovery journey.