Knee - Tendon Injuries and Disorders

Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee) is an injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon helps your muscles extend your lower leg so that you can kick a ball, pedal your bicycle and jump up in the air.

• Pain is the first symptom of Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee). It worsens with physical activities
• Pain is usually relieved with rest but may be persistent in severe cases
• Swelling may be present
  

Commonly known as jumper's knee, patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping, running or kicking.

Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee) is a common overuse injury as a result of repeated stress on your patellar (knee) tendon. The stress results in tears in the tendon that as they become more numerous, causes inflammation in your tendon.

The conservative approach to treating patellar tendinitis aims to reduce strain on your tendon and to gradually build up the tendon's strength.

Your doctor may suggest that you avoid running and jumping and recommend physiotherapy to stretch the tendon and quadriceps with the aim to returning to your previous level of intensity in your exercise. Medications to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation may also be given.

A patellar tendon strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon to distribute force away from the tendon may be given to relieve pain.