Patellar tendinitis is an injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon works with the muscles at the front of your thigh to extend your knee so you can kick, run and jump.  The injury occurs in many athletes, but is most common in sports that require explosive movements, such as baseball, soccer, rugby, volleyball, track & field, free-running, football, basketball or gymnastics.

Pain from patellar tendonitis is felt just below the patella. The pain is most noticeable when you move your knee or try to kneel. The more you move your knee, the more tenderness develops in the area of the tendon attachment below the kneecap.  There may be swelling in and around the patellar tendon. It may be tender or very sensitive to touch. You may feel a sense of warmth or burning pain. The pain can be mild or in some cases the pain can be severe enough to keep the runner from running or other athletes from participating in their sport.

Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury, caused by repeated stress on your patellar tendon. The stress results in tiny tears in the tendon, which your body attempts to repair. But as the tears in the tendon multiply, they cause pain from inflammation and weakening of the tendon. To reduce your risk of developing patellar tendinitis, take these steps:

  • Don’t play through pain. As soon as you notice exercise-related knee pain, ice the area and rest. Until your knee is pain-free, avoid activities that put stress on your patellar tendon.
  • Strengthen your muscles. Strong thigh muscles are better able to handle the stresses that can cause patellar tendinitis. Eccentric exercises, which involve lowering your leg very slowly after extending your knee, are particularly helpful.
  • Improve your technique. To be sure you’re using your body correctly, consider taking lessons or getting professional instructions when starting a new sport or using exercise equipment.

Call our office today to schedule a free consultation at 910-246-0606. Learn more about what we can do to help manage and treat patellar tendinitis.

Posted in Common Conditions

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