Articles » Injuries » Injuries of the lower limbs » Patella Tendinitis

Patella Tendinitis / Jumpers Knee

What it Effects

• The patella tendon at the bottom of the knee cap (the tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the shin so that any force the quadriceps exert can be transferred to the lower leg)

Who it Effects

• Jumping sports
• Throwing sports
• Weight lifting

Mechanism of Injury

• Repeated eccentric loading of the patella tendon
• A blow to the tendon
• Faulty biomechanics of the knee

Signs and Symptoms

• Gradual onset of pain
• Pain worsened by activity
• Thickening of the tendon
• Stiffness after exercise / in the morning
• Pain when the quadriceps are contracted

Treatment

• PRICE in acute stage of grade 1-3 sprain
• Stretch the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf
• Strengthening the quadriceps using eccentric exercises e.g. squats, particularly Vastus Medialis
• Deep transverse frictions
• Ultrasound
• NSAID’s
• Correct faulty biomechanics

If you have any questions, please use the comment form below or post a thread on the forums.