PATELLAR TENDONITIS
"Jumpers Knee"

What Is Patellar Tendonitis?    Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper's knee, is pain in the band of tissue (the patellar tendon) that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). How Does It Occur?    The most common activity causing patellar tendonitis is too much jumping.  Other repeated activities such as running, walking, or bicycling may lead to patellar tendonitis.  All of these activities put repeated stress on the patellar tendon, causing it to be inflamed. Patellar tendonitis can also happen to people who have problems with the way their hips, legs, knee, or feet are aligned.

This alignment problem can result from having wide hips, being knock-kneed, or having feet with arches that collapse when you walk or run, a condition called over-pronation.

What Are The Symptoms?   

Symptoms may include:
-  pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon
-  swelling in your knee joint or swelling where the patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone
-  pain with jumping, running, or walking, especially downhill or downstairs
-  pain with bending or straightening the leg
-  tenderness behind the kneecap

How Is It Diagnosed?    Your doctor will examine your knee to see if you have tenderness at the patellar tendon.  You will also be asked to run, jump, or squat to see if this causes pain.  Your feet will be examined to see if you have a problem with over-pronation.  Your doctor may take x-rays of your knee.

How Is It Treated?    In the early stages you should apply ice packs for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain goes away.  Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication and also prescribe a band to wear across the patellar tendon, called an infra-patellar strap.  The strap will support your patellar tendon, preventing it from becoming overused or painful.  If you have a problem with over-pronation, your doctor may prescribe custom-made arch supports called orthotics.  You will be given rehabilitation exercises to help you return to your sport or activity.

While you are recovering from your injury you will need to change your sport or activity to one that does not make your condition worse.  For example, you may need to swim instead of play basketball.

How Can I prevent Patellar Tendonitis?    Patellar tendonitis is usually caused by overuse during activities such as jumping or running.  It can best be prevented by having string thigh muscles. 

The Sports Medicine Patient Advisor
by Pierre Rouzier, MD
Patellar Tendonitis pp 87-90