Patellar Tendinitis

Author: Samantha Chow, Registered Physiotherapist | Women's Health

Also known as Jumper's Knee, patellar tendinitis refers to inflammation and pain in the patellar tendon, which connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone). This condition is typically caused by overuse of the patellar tendon and is common among jumping athletes, such as basketball and volleyball players, as well as those who suddenly increase their activity levels without proper warm-up. Here are some detailed causes of patellar tendinitis:

1. Repetitive Stress:

• Engaging in sports that involve a lot of jumping, forceful starts, and sudden stops, such as basketball, volleyball, running, and soccer, can place continuous stress and strain on the patellar tendon.

2. Sudden Increase in Training Intensity:

• Athletes who abruptly increase their training volume, intensity, or frequency without adequate gradual adaptation may overload the tendon.

3. Muscle Imbalance:

• If the muscles at the front of the thigh (quadriceps) are too strong or tight relative to the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings), it can lead to additional stress on the patellar tendon.

4. Improper Technique:

• Improper athletic technique or incorrect training methods can also lead to patellar tendon injuries.

5. Biomechanical Issues:

• Foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or excessive pronation, can lead to lower limb alignment issues, thereby increasing stress on the patellar tendon.
• Leg alignment issues, such as bowlegs or knock-knees, can also affect how stress is distributed across the knee joint.

6. Hard Surfaces or Unsuitable Footwear:

• High-intensity training on hard surfaces or using unsuitable footwear can increase pressure on the legs and patellar tendon.

7. Age and Gender:

• Adolescents and young adults may be more susceptible to tendon injuries during their growth spurts, and men may be more prone to femoral condylitis than women.

8. Weight:

• Being overweight or obese can increase the burden on the knee joint and patellar tendon.

Treatment for patellar tendinitis typically includes rest, compression, and elevation of the injured area, as well as physiotherapy to alleviate pain and inflammation, and a progressively increasing exercise program to strengthen muscles and improve tendon endurance. Preventive measures include proper warm-ups, using correct exercise techniques, wearing appropriate athletic footwear, and avoiding overtraining.

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