Petellar Tendonitis And Athletes

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (the patella) to the shin bone. This is part of the extensor mechanism of the knee, and together with the kneecap quadriceps tendon and the quadriceps muscle, these structures allow your knee to straighten out, and provide strength for a kicking motion. The patellar tendon, like other tendons, is made of tough string-like bands. These bands are surrounded by a vascular tissue lining that provides nutrition to the tendon.

Patellar tendonitis is the condition that occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated. This condition is most often seen in athletes who do repetitive jumping, the reason patellar tendonitis is often called "jumper's knee." Patellar tendonitis is most often seen in participants of sports including basketball and volleyball, although can also be seen in runners and other types of athletes.

I know myself know how patellar tendonitis feels. My whole freshman year,i found myself spending a lot of time in the training room getting treatment on my knee. It kept me from being able to perform the way I should have. Playing a sport with a lot of running and jumping with knee tendonitis is very difficult. 

Symptoms of Patellar Tendon Conditions

Patellar tendonitis and tendinosis usually cause pain directly over the patellar tendon. The tendon is usually tender and swollen. Movement of the knee may causes a crunching sensation called crepitus directly over the swollen tendon. The other common symptom of patellar tendon problems is pain with activities, especially jumping or kneeling.

Patellar Tendon Treatment

Treatment should be initiated once the proper diagnosis is confirmed by your doctor. If the problem is an acute inflammation, treatment may include:

• Rest
   
• The most important first step in treatment is to avoid activities that aggravate the problem. Your body is the best guide to know how much to rest the injured knee--if an activity hurts in the area of the injured patellar tendon, then you should rest from that activity.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications include a long list of possibilities such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, and many others. Patellar tendonitis treatment can be improved by these medications that will decrease pain and swelling. Be sure to talk to your doctor before.

Above is a patellar strap, similar ones are used by many athletes on every level of play.

More Forms of Treatment

When the condition is chronic, treatment of inflammation is less likely to be helpful, therefore the focus of treatment for patellar tendonitis is with therapy. The most helpful therapeutic exercises for treatment of tendonitis are eccentric strengthening exercises. 

Some surgeons are also using a treatment called PRP injections for treatment of patellar tendonitis. These injections may help stimulate a healing reaction in the body, although scientific evidence has yet to strongly support the use of this experimental treatment.