What is patellar tendonitis?
The patellar tendon, which connects the patella to the tibia, works with the muscles in the front of the thigh to extend the knee and allow for the act of running, jumping, walking, etc. We speak of patellar tendonitis (also known as “jumper’s knee”) when this tendon is injured, overloaded.
This pathology is more common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball. However, non-athletes can also suffer from it.
Prognosis of the disease
Patellar tendinitis is usually not a serious injury, but it must be treated correctly so that it does not develop into something more.
Symptoms of patellar tendinitis
The main symptom of patellar tendinitis is pain, and it may appear during physical activity or after intense training; worsen to the point of making it difficult to play sports; or hinder daily movements (such as climbing stairs or getting up from a chair). There may also be stiffness in the knee, pain when bending or weakness in the leg.
The main symptom of patellar tendinitis is pain.
Medical tests for patellar tendinitis
The following tests are usually performed to diagnose patellar tendinitis:
- MRI: through which detailed images of the area that can show changes in the tendon are obtained.
- Ultrasound: which uses sound waves to create an image of the knee and show possible tendon tears.
- X-ray – helps to exclude other bone problems related to knee pain.
What are the causes of patellar tendonitis?
Patellar tendinitis is usually caused by repeated stress on the patellar tendon. This causes tears in it that multiply over time causing pain by inflation and weakening of the tendon. When this pain persists for a few weeks we speak of tendinopathy.
Can it be prevented?
To try to prevent patellar tendinopathy can be adopted different measures, such as:
- Strengthening the muscles with exercises
- Improving technique when playing sports
- Do not exercise when in pain
Treatments for patellar tendonitis
Treatment usually begins with physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee. A strap may also be applied to the patellar tendon, which puts pressure on the tendon and helps distribute the force, thus relieving pain. Or by iontophoresis, a therapy that delivers a drug to the skin and then delivers an electric shock to pass through the skin.
Medications are also prescribed, corticosteroids and PRP can be injected and, as a last option, there is surgery.
What specialist treats it?
The professional who treats patellar tendinitis is the orthopedic surgeon.