Patella Tendinopathy (Jumpers Knee)

Posted by Pete on February 25, 2011 in Self diagnosis | 0 comments

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 in the formation of microtears within the tendon.

Symptoms of patella tendinopathy

• Pain at the front/bottom of the kneecap
• Thickening of patella tendon
• Pain exacerbated by direct pressure to patella tendon
• Pain exacerbated by quadriceps use
• Pain experienced after exercise
• Calf weakness (sometimes)

It is important to seek treatment in the early stages of the condition otherwise it can become difficult to treat and surgery maybe required.

Patella tendinopathy self help

• Cessation of activities that exacerbate pain.  Fitness can be maintained by undertaking non weight bearing activities; cycling, swimming or hydrotherapy
• Ice therapy

Patella tendinopathy treatment

• Deep tissue friction massage to stimulate circulation and accelerate healing
• Reduction of patella tendon tension via stretching and massage of quadriceps
• Exercise prescription to strengthen other muscle groups of the legs to reduce stress on patella tendon
• Prescription of eccentric quadriceps exercises to accelerate healing
• Osteopathic manipulation of foot joints to improve shock absorbing function of feet to reduce loading on patella tendon

Further patella tendinopathy treatment options

• Ultrasound
• Aprotinin injections to restore enzyme balance within tendon
• Surgery  if conservation treatment is ineffective