Patella tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common among athletes involved in jumping activities, such as basketball players and volleyball players.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon
- Swelling in the area below the kneecap
- Stiffness and weakness in the knee
- Pain worsens with jumping, running or climbing stairs
Causes
Patella tendonitis is caused by overuse of the patellar tendon. This can happen due to activities that require repetitive jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, and high jump. The excessive stress can cause small tears in the tendon, which can lead to inflammation and pain.
Risk factors
- Participation in sports activities that require jumping
- Sudden increase in physical activity or intensity
- Poor flexibility and strength in the lower limbs
- Previous knee injury or surgery
- Being overweight or obese
Associated conditions
Patella tendonitis can be associated with other knee conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, and chondromalacia patella.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of patella tendonitis is usually based on the medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI may be ordered to rule out other knee conditions.
Differential diagnosis
Other knee conditions that can cause similar symptoms to patella tendonitis include patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, and chondromalacia patella.
Treatment options
- Rest and modification of activities to reduce the stress on the tendon
- Ice application to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility of the knee muscles
- Use of knee braces or supports
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy Surgery in severe cases
Typical recovery timeframes
The recovery time for patella tendonitis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment received. Mild cases can improve with rest and rehabilitation within a few weeks. More severe cases may require longer periods of rest and rehabilitation, and may take several months to heal.
Prognosis
The prognosis for patella tendonitis is generally good with proper treatment and rest. However, if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and a weakened patellar tendon, which may require surgery to repair.