Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is an injury to the patellar tendon, which connects the patella to the shinbone.
Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis
- The main symptom is localized sharp or dull pain around the front of the knee, below the patella.
- Tenderness and swelling around the patellar tendon
- Knee joint stiffness
- Weakness and difficulty performing some activities which involve the knee joint such as jumping, squatting, and running.
Patellar Tendonitis is more common in people who relate to the following:
- Athletes or individuals who engage in sports like volleyball, soccer, or basketball or activities that involve frequent jumping.
- Individuals who had previous injuries like sprain or dislocation of the patella
- It is more common between the ages of 15 to 30
- Individuals who wear inappropriate footwear with no proper support and cushioning
- Individuals who exercise without proper warm-up and stretching
Physiotherapy Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis
- Ice therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and Interferential current for pain and inflammation
- Soft tissue and joint mobilization
- Stretching exercises. Hamstrings and quadriceps tightness increase the chances of developing a jumper’s knee so it is important to stretch this muscle not only to help with pain and stiffness but also to prevent recurrence.
- Strengthening exercises, especially of the quadriceps and gluteal muscles
- Bracing and taping to provide additional support to the knee
If you have any type of knee pain, contact us to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists today!
