Tendons are like ropes which connect muscles to bone. The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (the patella) to the shinbone (the tibia). Patellar tendonitis is the condition that arises when the tendon and the tissues that surround it become irritated and painful from overuse, especially from jumping activities. This usually occurs in older teens and adults who participate in sports that have a lot of jumping, including volleyball and basketball; however patellar tendonitis can also be seen in sports such as running and soccer.
How Causes Patella Tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis is a common injury caused by overuse and stress on the patellar tendon. The repetitive stress causes tiny tears deep in the tendon that the body attempts to repair. Occasionally the symptoms may be caused by sudden injury to the tendon; however, this is much less common.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Patella Tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis usually causes pain directly over the patellar tendon, just below the kneecap. Most people have increased sharp pain during activities and pain may continue as a dull pain after activity. The tendon will often be sore with pressure as well.
How Is Patella Tendonitis Diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed by your doctor based on your symptoms, the history of your pain and activity pattern, and by physical exam. You doctor may consider getting an X-ray an ultrasound or an MRI of your knee if the diagnosis is unclear or if he or she needs to rule-out other causes of pain.
How Is Patella Tendonitis Treated?
- Rest: The most important step in treatment is to avoid the activities that are causing the pain.
- Strap or Brace: Your doctor may provide a support strap (called an infrapatellar strap or Cho-pat strap) or knee brace to wear during activity. This helps take pressure off the tendon.
- Ice: Icing the area of inflammation after activity or sport will help to control inflammation and swelling.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Pain control with anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can help decrease inflammation and pain.
- Stretching: Stretching exercises focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles may help take pressure off the patellar tendon.
- Surgery: Rarely, patients undergo surgery for this condition. Your physician may recommend surgery if conservative approaches are not working after six months or so of treatment.
When Can My Child Return to Activity and Sports After Patella Tendonitis?
The decision to return to sports will be determined by your doctor based on the severity of your pain and your injury. Modifications to your usual activity may be needed to help decrease the stress placed on the tendon.
How Can Patella Tendonitis Be Prevented in the Future?
Stretching the quadriceps, hamstring, and calf muscles to maintain flexibility will help prevent recurrence of the problem.
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