The patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella).   The tendon continues from the kneecap and blends with the quadriceps muscle.  Therefore when the quadriceps contracts the leg straightens (extends).    The quadriceps muscle is therefore used when walking, running and jumping.  The patella tendon is placed under a high degree of stress in sports that involve high impact i.e. running and jumping, resulting...

The kneecap or patella rests in a indentation within the thigh bone (femur).  In a healthy individual the patella glides up and down in a straight line within the groove as the knee bends and straightens.  If an inbalance exists in the side to side forces pulling on the patella the patella gets pulled outwards as it glides upwards in the groove.  This leads to excessive friction on the cartilage on the inner surface of the knee and...

Plantar fasciitis is a repetitive strain injury causing inflammation of the plantar fascia.  The plantar fascia consists of a wide band of tendon connecting the plantar surface (bottom) of the heel to the ball of the foot.  The plantar fascia is connected to the muscles of the calf, therefore muscle tension in these muscles can contribute to excessive tension and inflammation in the plantar fascia Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms Pain on the...

The iliotibial band (or ITB for short) is a wide band like tendon.  It originates at the hip, passes down the outside of the thigh and attaches at the upper outside of the shin bone (the tibia) just beyond the knee.  The Iliotibial band runs over the lateral femoral epicondyle which is a bony mound on the outer aspect of the knee, and it is susceptible to friction at this point.  At 20-30 degrees of knee flexion (bending) friction is at it...

A whiplash injury involves the neck rapidly moving backwards and forwards past its normal range of motion.  Usually the injury is caused by a rear end or front end road traffic accident, but can also be caused by a fall or sports injury.  The injury damages the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck with the longus coli, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae muscles the most commonly affected.  In more severe incidences joint sprains,...

Trigger points are specific small areas of hypersensitive tight muscle tissue.  They often feel like a lump or knot within the muscle.  They are caused by injury, or more often long term repetitive strain.  Multiple muscle fibres become locked into a constantly tight and contracted state.  This persistent contraction compromises circulation and results in an accumulation of lactic acid and other waste products that cause chemical irriation...