Patellar tendonitis, commonly known as jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone). It is often seen in athletes who engage in activities involving repetitive jumping or explosive movements.
The patellar tendon is a strong band of tissue that provides stability to the knee. It also helps transmit the force of the quadriceps muscles to the lower leg, allowing for extension of the knee joint; you couldn’t straighten your knee or jump without it.
Although it is called a tendon, it is a ligament (ligaments attach bone to bone, whereas tendons attach muscle to bone).
Patellar tendonitis is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon. Common causes include:
Pain is usually the first symptom of patellar tendinitis. It is often a sharp, quite local pain that is felt right over the tendon, between your kneecap and where the tendon attaches to your shinbone (tibia).
Initially, you may only feel the pain as you begin physical activity or just after an intense workout, but over time, the pain worsens and starts to interfere with playing your sport and even daily activities like going up/down stairs.
The symptoms of patellar tendonitis can include:
The symptoms of jumper’s knee are often similar to other knee conditions or medical problems. Always see a knee specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing patellar tendonitis is quite a straightforward process and your consultant will be able to give you a clear diagnosis and explanation at your initial appointment.
Initially they will ask you a series of questions about the history of your injury, aggravating and easing factors and your normal activity level. They will also ask you about your past health and medication history.
Your knee specialist will assess your knee range of motion, pain, and tenderness around the patellar tendon. They will ask you to perform some simple activities like walking, squatting, hopping and jumping.
X-rays are limited when looking at soft tissue injuries, however, they might be needed to rule out any bony injuries like fractures or osteoarthritis.
MRI or Ultrasound scans may be used to confirm and assess the severity of the tendonitis.
Treatment for patellar tendonitis aims to alleviate pain and promote healing:
Surgery is very rarely required and only typically considered only when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.
Questions & Answers:
Can patellar tendonitis be prevented?
Yes, by incorporating proper warm-ups, gradual increases in activity intensity, and maintaining strong quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
Can I continue to exercise with patellar tendonitis?
It’s important to modify your activities and consult a healthcare professional. Low-impact exercises that don’t strain the tendon might be possible during recovery.
How long does it take to recover from patellar tendonitis?
Recovery time varies but may take several weeks to a few months with proper rest and rehabilitation.
Can patellar tendonitis turn into a chronic condition?
Yes, without appropriate management and rehabilitation, patellar tendonitis can become a chronic issue.
Can I return to sports after patellar tendonitis treatment?
Yes, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can return to their sports or activities after a full recovery.
We are a group of established consultants who care about our patients. We cover all the subspecialty areas of orthopaedics:
Meet the team at London Bridge Orthopaedics.
Consultants at London Bridge Orthopaedics provide service for patients with our without private medical insurance.
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Tavakkolizadeh has a passion for sports medicine and has had the privilege of working with athletes from various disciplines. Among the most challenging cases he encounters are upper limb injuries sustained on the rugby field.Read more
Skiing, with its exhilarating descents and challenging terrains, can sometimes lead to unfortunate accidents, resulting in complex, multi-ligament knee injuries, and often meniscal tears too. These injuries pose a unique set of challenges, requiring a comprehensive approach for successful surgical management.Read more