A tendinopathy is a general term for pain and pathological changes caused by overuse of the tendons and surrounding areas. A person’s patella is their kneecap, so patellar tendinopathy is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon (or ligament) that connects your kneecap to your shinbone (tibia). It is also called Jumper’s Knee and causes the tendon to weaken. This can lead to tears in the tendon if left untreated.
Tendinopathy is a general term used to describe tendon issues. Tendinosis refers to a long-term condition caused by degeneration of the tendon due to overuse. Patellar tendonitis, on the other hand, typically involves inflammation resulting from the tendon becoming overloaded.
What Causes Patellar Tendinopathy?
The simple explanation is that the knee joint has been overused, often from an activity that includes frequent jumping on hard surfaces. It’s generally a sport-related injury linked to the contraction of the leg muscle and the impact of hitting the ground. The activity puts strain on the tendon, and through repetition, it may inflame the tendon. The sports associated with it include basketball, volleyball, tennis, and various track and field jump events. The condition affects over 40 percent of high-level volleyball and basketball players.
Jumper’s Knee can also result from weakness or tightness in the hamstrings, which alter knee mechanics and increase stress on the patellar tendon. It can also be caused by improper foot posture or inadequate techniques that can change the way force is distributed through the knee to cause tendon irritation.
How Do You Fix Patellar Tendinopathy?
Treatment of patellar tendinopathy typically involves relieving pain and correcting movement patterns or habits that may be placing excess stress on the knee.
- Rest & Activity Modification: Make sure you rest, and if able, avoid the activity that causes the tendon strain.
- Ice & Elevation: Apply ice (usually in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel) to the inflamed area and try to raise your knee above your body. This can often be done using pillows or some other way to comfortably prop the leg up.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or Aleve can alleviate the pain for a time.
- Physical Therapy: A trained professional can help you find stretching and strengthening exercises to help make the tendon stronger.
Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may suggest various surgeries. If all else fails, a doctor may suggest surgical debridement of the patellar tendon.
Does Patellar Tendinopathy Go Away?
Giving your body time to heal on its own is an important part of treating patellar tendinopathy, and in time, the tendon should heal. However, it’s important to adopt changes that support a healthier lifestyle and reduce stress on the tendon moving forward. Whether it means adjusting diet to lose weight, correcting posture, or taking a break from the activity that strained it in the first place.
Contact your healthcare provider if the pain continues or worsens, if there is swelling or redness around the joint, or if it prevents you from accomplishing routine activities.
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