Understanding Patellar Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, we’re passionate about helping our patients stay active and pain-free. One of the most common knee conditions we see in athletes and active individuals is patellar tendonitis—often referred to as jumper’s knee. If you’ve been experiencing pain just below your kneecap, you might be dealing with this condition.
What Is Patellar Tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays a critical role in helping you extend your knee—essential for movements like jumping, running, and squatting.
This condition is especially common in athletes who participate in sports that involve frequent jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, and track and field. However, anyone who puts repeated stress on their knees can develop patellar tendonitis.
Common Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. Other symptoms may include:
- Knee stiffness or aching, especially after activity
- Swelling or tenderness around the tendon
- Pain during physical activity that worsens over time
- Difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or kneeling
What Causes It?
Patellar tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive stress on the knee joint without enough time for the tendon to recover. Contributing factors can include:
- Sudden increase in activity level or intensity
- Poor stretching or warm-up routines
- Muscle imbalances or weakness, especially in the thighs and hips
- Improper footwear or biomechanics
How We Treat Patellar Tendonitis
At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, we specialize in conservative orthopedic care, meaning we focus on nonsurgical solutions that help you heal and return to your activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Our approach to treating patellar tendonitis may include:
- Physical Therapy: A personalized exercise program to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles while improving flexibility and form.
- Activity Modification: Temporarily reducing high-impact activities to allow the tendon to heal.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and decrease pain.
- Anti-inflammatory Treatments: Including ice, rest, and possibly over-the-counter medications.
- Orthobiologics and Injections: For more persistent cases, we may explore advanced options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroid injections.
Don’t Ignore the Pain
If you’re experiencing consistent knee pain that’s limiting your activity, it’s important to get evaluated by a specialist. Untreated patellar tendonitis can worsen over time and lead to chronic pain or tendon tears.
At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, we’re here to help you get back in the game—pain-free and stronger than before.
Schedule a same-day appointment or walk in to one of our convenient locations today.
