Understanding Tendinopathies: Patellar Tendinopathy
In our last post, we began our discussion of common tendinopathies with the Achilles tendon. In today’s blog post, we will move up the leg to the knee and explore the patellar tendon.
What is the Patellar Tendon?
The patellar tendon is the strong structure that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It plays an important role in the function of the knee as it transmits the force generated by the quadriceps muscles (front of your thigh) to the tibia. This enables you to extend the lower leg, allowing for movements such as walking, running, squatting, jumping, kicking,g and much more.
What is Patellar Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy (also known as “Jumper’s Knee”) is inflammation of the patellar tendon. As discussed in many of our recent posts, this form of tendinopathy occurs when there is damage to the patellar tendon, usually due to repetitive stress or overuse. When the tendon is overstressed, microscopic tears develop, leading to pain, inflammation, and functional impairment.
Common Causes/Risk Factors:
- Sports involving jumping or quick direction changes, such as basketball, volleyball, or soccer.
- Training errors: overtraining or sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
- Weak or imbalanced muscles: Particularly in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles.
- Poor biomechanics: incorrect movement patterns during athletic activities, such as improper jumping and landing techniques.
- Age and degenerative changes
Symptoms of Patellar Tendinopathy:
A tell-tale sign of patellar tendinopathy is pain in the front of the knee, directly below the kneecap. This pain typically worsens with activity, and prolonged sitting can increase stiffness felt in the knee. Patients typically describe increased sharp pain in the knee with movements involving jumping, squatting, or running/cutting.
Treatment Options for Patellar Tendinopathy:
Treating patellar tendinopathy aims to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore the tendon to its normal function. Some common treatments are listed below:
- Rest and activity modification: Modified rest is crucial to allow the tendon to heal. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain, such as jumping or running.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, as well as improving flexibility and movement biomechanics.
- Patellar Tendon Strap: A patellar tendon strap may relieve some of the strain on the tendon during activities and reduce symptoms.
Conclusion:
Patellar tendinopathy, or “Jumper’s Knee”, is a common condition that affects the patellar tendon, particularly in athletes and active individuals. While it can be painful and debilitating, with appropriate treatment, most people can recover fully and return to their normal activities. For further information on patellar tendinopathy, or if you are suffering from knee pain, consult with one of the physiotherapists at Kamloops Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre. We can correctly identify the root cause of your problem and help you begin your journey to recovery.
This blog post was written by physiotherapist Jacob Coelho. To book an appointment with Jacob or one of our other experienced therapists, call 250-314-0788 or book online HERE.