The patellar tendon is the strong band of tissue that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone. Patellar tendonitis, more commonly referred to as Jumper’s Knee, is an overuse injury that causes the patellar tendon in the knee to inflame and weaken.
If left untreated, patellar tendonitis can result in tears in the patellar tendon.
Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is a common condition seen in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping. This includes:
Basketball players
Dancers
Figure Skaters
Gymnasts
Volleyball Players
Track Athletes
Patellar tendonitis occurs when the force of hitting the ground or repeated bending and kicking motions cause strain on the patellar tendon. This can lead to the tendon becoming swollen or inflamed.
At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Joseph commonly treats patellar tendonitis in patients who report the following symptoms:
Pain and tenderness around the kneecap
Swelling in the front of the knee
Pain while walking, jumping, or running
Pain while attempting to bend or straighten the leg
Tenderness behind the kneecap
A dull ache at the top of the shinbone
These symptoms usually behind gradually and worsen over time. If left untreated, patellar tendonitis can become severely painful and sometimes even lead to a patellar tendon tear.
Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis
No matter what your symptoms, always schedule a consultation with an orthopedic knee physician if your knee pain:
Is prolonged or consistent
Worsens over time
Negatively affects your ability to perform day-to-day activities
Is associated with redness or swelling in the joint
At his practice in Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Joseph will diagnose your knee pain with a physical exam and imaging tests. After diagnosing your patellar tendonitis, Dr. Joseph will design a personalized treatment plan that takes your lifestyle into consideration.
Fortunately, nearly all cases of patellar tendonitis can be treated nonsurgically. Dr. Joseph may recommend any of the following conservative treatment strategies:
Activity modification
Rest
Ice
Elevation
Compression
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy
Steroid Injections
It is rare that surgery is used to treat patellar tendonitis. However, if the condition has resulted in a tendon tear or damage to the surrounding tissue, Dr. Joseph may recommend surgical intervention.
Patellar Tendonitis Symptoms? Contact Team Joseph Today!
If you are experiencing prolonged or worsening pain, swelling, and tenderness in the knee, contact Dr. Joseph at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today! As the leading orthopaedic knee physician in Colorado, Dr. Joseph is known for getting patients back to doing the activities they love.
Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-7220 or through Team Joseph’s online contact form.