Patellar Tendinopathy
(Jumper's Knee; Patellar Tendinitis; Patellar Tendinosis; Quadriceps Tendinitis; Infrapatellar Tendinopathy; Patellar Apicitis)
by
Michelle Badash, MS
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention
Definition
Tendinopathy is an injury to the tendon. It can cause pain, swelling, and limit movement. The injuries can include:
- Tendinitis—an inflammation of the tendon (Although this term is used often, most cases of tendinopathy are not associated with significant inflammation.)
- Tendinosis—microtears (tiny breaks) in the tendon tissue with no significant inflammation
The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the lower leg bone (tibia). Tendinopathy and the associated pain may take months to resolve.
Patellar Tendinitis
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
Tendinopathy is generally caused by overuse of a muscle-tendon unit. Over time, the strain on the tendon causes structural changes within the tendon itself.
Patellar tendinopathy occurs from overuse of the knee tendon. Overuse may be caused by any activity that requires:
- Intense running
- Jumping
- Frequent stops and starts
- Frequent impact to the knee
Patellar tendinopathy is most common in the following sports:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Running
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of patellar tendonopathy include:
- An increase in the frequency of training
- A sudden increase in the intensity of training
- Changing from one sport to another
- Training on a hard surface
- Repeated improper movements while training
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness in the patellar tendon below the knee
- Pain or tightness in the knee when bending, squatting, or straightening the leg
- Discomfort in the knee when jumping, running, or walking
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will also examine your knee, and may ask you to perform certain movements.
In some cases your doctor may order:
- X-ray
—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, used to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms
- MRI scan
—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body, used to check the severity of your condition
Treatment
Treatment includes:
Ice and Rest
Apply ice or a cold pack to the knee for 15-20 minutes, every four hours, for 2-3 days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Avoid the activity that caused the pain. Reduce shock or vibrations to the knee.
Medication
Over-the-counter medicines that are commonly used to reduce pain include:
- Ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen
(Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Acetaminophen
(Tylenol)
- Aspirin
Infra-patellar Strap
This strap (also called a counterforce brace) can help support the tendon and reduce pain. It is worn as a band just below the knee.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will help:
- Stretch and condition the quadriceps muscle, which attaches to the patella
- Maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance
Cortisone Injections
If the treatments above do not reduce inflammation, some doctors may recommend that you consider a cortisone injection. (This should be used only for chronic tendonitis that has not responded to other treatments that have been used for at least two months.) Check with your doctor to find out what is best for you. Avoid repeated cortisone injections.
Resuming Exercise
Return to high-impact physical activity gradually. Healing has occurred when:
- The knee can bend and straighten without pain.
- You are able to jump on the injured leg without pain.
- You are able to jog in a straight line without pain.
- Swelling is gone.
- Normal strength of the quadriceps muscles has returned.
Surgery
You may need surgery if there is:
- Advanced damage to the tendon
- Little or no response to other treatments over a 6-12 month period
Prevention
You may prevent patellar tendinopathy by:
- Avoiding activities and sports that repeatedly stress the kneecaps
- Gradually increasing the frequency and intensity of exercise
- Regularly doing quadriceps muscle stretching and strengthening exercises
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
REFERENCES:
Aronen JG, Garrick JG. Sports-induced inflammation in the lower extremities.
Hosp Pract
. 1999;34:51.
Bursitis and tendinitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bursitis/default.asp#3_3
. Updated April 2007. Accessed June 13, 2008.
O'Connor FG, Howard TM, Fieseler CM, Nirschl RP. Managing overuse injuries: a systematic approach.
Phys Sportsmed
. 1997 May;25(5).
Orthopedics hyperguide tutorial. Orthopedics Hyperguide website. Available at:
http://www.ortho.hyperguides.com/faq.asp
. Accessed October 11, 2005.
Post WR.
Patellofemoral pain: let the physical exam define treatment.
Phys Sportsmed
.1998;26(1).
Last reviewed November 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Last Updated: 11/2/2009
