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 also lead to patellar tendonitis. All of these activities put repeated stress on the patellar tendon, causing it to become inflamed.
Patellar tendonitis can also happen to people who have problems with the way their hips, legs, knees, 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 overpronation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
- pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon
- swelling in your knee joint, or swelling where the patellar tendon attached to the shin bone
- pain with jumping, running or walking, especially downhill or down stairs
- 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. He or she will have you run, jump, or squat to see if this causes pain. Your feet will be examined to see if you have a problem with overpronation. X-rays may be taken of your knee.
HOW IS PATELLAR TENDONITIS TREATED?
In the early stages you should apply ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain goes away. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. He or she may also prescribe a band to wear across the patellar tendon, (called an infra-patellar strap) or prescribe a special knee brace. The strap or brace will support your patellar tendon, preventing it from becoming over-used or painful. If you have a problem with over-pronation, your doctor may prescribe custom made arch supports called orthotics. You will also be given rehabilitation exercises to help you return to your sport or activity. Also, while you are recovering, you will need to change your sport or activity to one which will not make your condition worse.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY SPORT OR ACTIVITY?
The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Return to your activity will be determined by how soon your knee recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury occurred.
In general, the longer that you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take you to get better. You may safely return to your sport or activity when, starting from the top of the list and progressing to the end, each of the following is true:
- Your injured knee can be fully straightened and bent without pain
- Your knee and leg have regained normal strength compared to the uninjured knee and leg
- Your knee is not swollen
- You are able to jog straight ahead without limping
- You are able to sprint straight ahead without limping
- You are able to do 45 degree cuts
- You are able to do 90 degree cuts
- You are able to do 20 yard figure-eight runs
- You are able to do 10 yard figure-eight runs
- You are able to jump on both legs without pain, and jump on the injured leg without pain
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 strengthening your thigh muscles.
Patient Information | Meet Dr. Murphy | Patient Education | Surgery Information | Forms | Contact Us | Privacy Practices
602 South Howard Avenue | Tampa, FL 33606 | Telephone: 813-253-2406 | Fax: 813-251-4290
|
