Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

What is Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)?

Patellar tendinitis, commonly referred to as Jumper’s Knee, is a prevalent overuse injury characterised by inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon, which connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone). This condition typically arises due to repetitive stress and strain placed on the patellar tendon, particularly during activities involving jumping, sprinting, or sudden changes in direction. As such, it is frequently encountered in individuals participating in sports that entail repetitive jumping and running movements, such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field events.

The development of patellar tendinitis revolves around the excessive loading and repetitive microtrauma experienced by the patellar tendon during high-impact activities. This repetitive stress leads to the breakdown of collagen fibres within the tendon and subsequent inflammation, resulting in pain, swelling, and functional impairment. Over time, if the tendon is not given adequate time to heal and recover, the condition can progress from acute tendinitis to chronic tendinopathy, characterised by degenerative changes within the tendon.

Patellar tendinitis typically presents as anterior knee pain localised to the inferior pole of the patella, often exacerbated by activities that such as jumping, squatting, or ascending/descending stairs. Individuals with patellar tendinitis may also experience stiffness and discomfort in the knee joint, particularly after periods of inactivity or upon waking in the morning. The pain may be mild to moderate initially but can intensify with continued activity and may eventually become constant, even during rest.

In summary, patellar tendinitis, or Jumper’s Knee, is a common overuse injury characterised by inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon, typically occurring in individuals engaged in sports that involve repetitive jumping and running movements. Early recognition and appropriate management of patellar tendinitis are essential to prevent progression to chronic tendinopathy and facilitate the return to pain-free activity.

Here at Precision Health we offer services such as Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy which can aid in your recovery from Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee).

Call (02) 9639 7337 or visit our website to book an appointment now!

Nikolovska, L. and Simic, B., 2020. Treatment of patellar tendinopathy. International Journal Knowledge, 40(5), pp.987-991.

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