Patellar tendinitis is a common health issue characterized by the inflammation of the tendon which joins the kneecap, or patella, to the shinbone, or tibia. The knee pain associated with this problem may range from mild to severe depending on the circumstances of the knee injury.

Patellar tendinitis, or jumper’s knee, is a well-known sports injury among athletes who play in basketball and volleyball. Among recreational volleyball players, an estimated 14.4 percent of them have jumper’s knee, where the incidence is even higher for professional athletes. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of elite volleyball players have patellar tendinitis.

Causes of Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is caused by repetitive strain on the knee, most often from overuse in physical activities. Stress can create tears along the tendons which can cause inflammation in the complex structures of the knee.

Other contributing factors of patellar tendinitis include:

• Tight or stiff leg muscles
• Uneven leg muscle strength
• Misaligned toes, ankles, and legs
• Obesity
• Sneakers without enough padding
• Tough playing surfaces
• Chronic health issues that weaken the tendon
  

Athletes have a higher chance of developing patellar tendinitis because running, jumping, and squatting put more force over the tendon. Running can place a force of as many as five times the body weight on the knees.

Intense physical activity for an extended amount of time has been previously associated with jumper’s knee. A 2014 research study noted that jump frequency was also a significant risk factor for amateur players.

Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis

The initial symptoms of patellar tendinitis include pain, discomfort, and tenderness at the base of the kneecap or patella. Other symptoms of patellar tendinitis may include a burning sensation. For many patients, getting up from a squat or kneeling down can also be particularly debilitating.

The pain associated with patellar tendinitis may be irregular at first, manifesting immediately after participating in physical activities. Damage or injury to the tendon can also make the pain worse. Jumper’s knee can affect regular daily activities, such as climbing stairs or sitting in a vehicle.

Patellar tendinitis, also known as “jumper’s knee”, is a particularly common cause of pain and discomfort in the patellar region of many athletes. While it frequently occurs as a result of repetitive or continuous jumping, research studies have demonstrated that patellar tendinitis may be associated with stiff ankle movements and ankle sprains, among other sports injuries.

Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Patellar Tendinitis Diagnosis

At the start of a consultation, the healthcare professional will first ask the patient about their specific health issue. The doctor will then physically evaluate the patient’s knee, probe for where they are feeling pain, and test the assortment of knee motion by bending and extending the patient’s leg.

Furthermore, the healthcare professional may additionally order imaging diagnostics to find out if there’s any damage or injury to the tendon or even the bone. These tests can help rule out a broken bone, or fracture. The doctor may use an X-ray to look for a displaced or fractured kneecap, and an MRI or an ultrasound to reveal any harm to the soft tissue.

Patellar Tendinitis Treatment

Treatment for patellar tendinitis depends on the damage or injury to the knee. Conservative steps to reduce pain, such as rest or exercises are generally the first line of treatment. The healthcare professional will usually recommend a span of controlled rest, where they will prevent the patient from engaging in physical activities that put pressure on the knee.

Drugs and/or Medications

The healthcare professional may prescribe over-the-counter drugs and/or medications for short-term pain relief and inflammation reduction.

These can consist of:

• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• cetaminophen (Tylenol)

If the patient’s symptoms are severe, the healthcare professional may recommend the use of corticosteroid injection in the area around the patellar tendon. This treatment is effective in reducing acute pain.

Another method of utilizing corticosteroid for patellar tendinitis is by spreading the medication over the affected knee and use a low electrical charge to push it through the skin, in a process known as iontophoresis.

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

The goal of chiropractic care and physical therapy for patellar tendinitis is to reduce pain and inflammation, among other symptoms, as well as to strengthen the leg and thigh muscles with stretches and exercises.

If the patient’s symptoms are severe, even while resting, the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace and then use crutches to avoid additional damage or injury to the tendon. If the patient has no painful symptoms, then they can start participating in a physical therapy activities.

A rehabilitation program generally consists of:

• A warm-up interval
• Massage, heat or ice to the knee
• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening exercises
  

A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, may use ultrasound and electrical stimulation to relieve the patient’s knee pain. A knee brace or taping of the knee might also help reduce pain by supporting the kneecap when engaging in physical activities. The healthcare professional may develop a workout program that may include a series of stretches and exercises.

Surgery

When other treatments are not effective in relieving painful symptoms associated with patellar tendinitis, the doctor may advise surgery to repair the patellar tendon. Traditional surgery involves opening the knee to scrape on the kneecap and tendon. More recently, arthroscopic surgery is used for this particular process. This surgical intervention involves making four small incisions in the knee and it has a shorter recovery time.

The recovery period for surgery varies per procedure. Some surgical intervention advise for immobilization with a cast. Others suggest an immediate rehabilitation program. Regardless of the level of damage and/or injury, it’s essential for patients to seek medical attention for their patellar tendinitis. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topic Discussion: Relieving Knee Pain without Surgery

Knee pain is a well-known symptom which can occur due to a variety of knee injuries and/or conditions, including sports injuries. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body as it is made-up of the intersection of four bones, four ligaments, various tendons, two menisci, and cartilage. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the most common causes of knee pain include patellar subluxation, patellar tendinitis or jumper’s knee, and Osgood-Schlatter disease. Although knee pain is most likely to occur in people over 60 years old, knee pain can also occur in children and adolescents. Knee pain can be treated at home following the RICE methods, however, severe knee injuries may require immediate medical attention, including chiropractic care.

EXTRA EXTRA | IMPORTANT TOPIC: Chiropractic Care Knee Injuries