Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)

About Patellar Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, which connects muscles to bones. Commonly, the patellar tendon, which is the tendon connects your quadriceps muscle to the tibia bone (quadriceps tendon above the kneecap and patellar ligament below the kneecap) can become. This thick tendon runs over the top of your kneecap and attaches to the tibia bone below. Jumping sports (such as basketball and volleyball) put a huge load on the kneecap and attached tendons, hence the nick-name “Jumpers Knee”. The patellar tendon can often become inflamed due to abnormal joint movements, poor posture and weakness of the surrounding musculature, which causes strain to the tendon with resulting pain during repetitive movement and especially with squatting or kneeling down.

Other areas of tendonitis in the knee can occur such as the back, outside or inside of the knee.  Sinding-Larsen-Johansson is a specific disorder of the patellar tendon where it attaches to the base of the kneecap. In contrast, Osgood-Schlatter disease is a disorder of the tendon where it attaches at the tibial tuberosity of the leg. Both are common disorders in maturing teens.

How physical therapy helps

Physical therapy is the first line in conservative treatment for patellar tendonitis. Most tendonitis is due to underlying abnormal mechanics of movement, walking and weakness. Our trained physical therapists are experts in evaluating your movement to pinpoint the source of the trouble. Modalities may be used to alleviate pain and discomfort, while hands-on therapy improves joint mechanics and movement.

Finally, gentle strengthening exercises and joint coordination exercises help to restore stability to the affected area and prevent re-occurrence of symptoms.