Patellar tendinitis: What athletes need to know
Patellar tendinitis, or jumper’s knee, is a common injury for athletes.
Carol Chang, DO, is a sports medicine orthopedist at Salem Health Orthopedics. Dr. Chang said this injury impacts an estimated 20% of jumping athletes, with the highest prevalence in volleyball players.
Causes of patellar tendinitis
“It is most often caused by activities that involve repetitive extension of the knee, including jumping, running and movements with sudden changes in direction,” she said. “Athletes who participate in sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer and track and field may be especially prone to this injury.”
Patellar tendinitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation or irritation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. This tendon helps to extend the knee.
“Teens and younger adults are more prone to this injury because they often participate in the sports that involve frequent jumping, sprinting and sudden changes in direction,” said Dr. Chang. “During adolescence, rapid growth can also place extra stress on the muscles and tendons, making the patellar tendon more vulnerable to injury.”
Injury prevention
Dr. Chang said the best way to prevent patellar tendinitis is to avoid overloading the tendon.
“Warming up before exercise, gradual changes increasing in the intensity of workouts and proper recovery are important,” she said. “Supportive shoe wear and bracing are other ways to prevent injury.”
Treatment options
For those recovering from patellar tendinitis, treatment typically includes rest, activity modification, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing and physical therapy.
“There may be other medications or procedures suggested by your orthopedist if there is an avulsion fracture, chronic tendon changes or tendon tears,” said Dr. Chang.
So, when should a patient visit Salem Health Orthopedics?
“If the pain is severe, causes difficulty with weight bearing, or is persistent despite conservative management,” said Dr. Chang. “I also recommend visiting our team if there is significant swelling, weakness or functional disability.”
Orthopedic care
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