Patellar Tendonitis
Symptoms, causes and treatment options for patellar tendon pain.
A piercing pain at the front of the knee or below the kneecap is often an indication of patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee. But as a runner, don’t let this term confuse you. Depending on your running and training style, you can be affected just as much.
Symptoms: What does patellar tendonitis feel like?
When it comes to jumper’s knee, you might feel pain in front of or below the kneecap. This pain is often caused by inflammation of the patellar tendon.
Other symptoms may include:
- Pain while, running, jumping, walking or climbing stairs
- Swollen or stiff knee
- Pain while bending and stretching the knee
Do not take knee pain lightly. If you ignore an irritated patellar tendon and continue to subject your knee to excessive strain, it could lead to a tear or partial tear of the tendon.
What causes Patellar Tendonitis?
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone. As soon as the knee joint moves, strain is put on the patellar tendon – that means it has to withstand a lot of pressure. If the excessive strain continues, over time leading to irritation or inflammation of the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis). If this irritation does not subside by itself after a short time but becomes chronic instead, wear can cause “degenerative” changes, leading to patellar tendinopathy.
In volleyball or basketball players, it’s the quick starting and stopping movements, sudden changes of direction and jumps that can irritate the patellar tendon – therefore called “jumper’s knee”. Running also consists of lots of little jumps, which is why it's not uncommon for runners to develop.
If the knee is regularly subjected to too much strain during running, this can also lead to an irritation of the patellar tendon. Your experience with jumper's knee could be the result of overestimating your strength, running through hilly terrain or on a very hard surface, such as asphalt. Also, have a look at your running shoes – if they are overly worn, they cannot adequately fulfil their function and should be replaced.
Be especially careful if you have already been diagnosed with reduced elasticity of the patellar tendon, a high-riding kneecap (patella alta) or congenital ligament weakness. In these cases, you are more susceptible to patellar tendonitis.
When to see a doctor
Make sure that you get your physician to confirm whether or not you're truly suffering from patellar tendonitis, as the pain could be caused for another reason. Consult a doctor if your knee or pain does not subside within a few days or if you suspect trauma to the knee.
How do you treat patellar tendonitis?
Home remedies
- Rest to avoid excessive strain using RICE Therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
- Reduce stress on the patellar tendon with Bauerfeind's Sports Knee Strap to address overload issues.
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation.
Advanced therapy
- Physical therapy, with stretching and massage, can also boost the healing process.
Sports Knee Strap
Guides and relieves the patella tendon during activity. Improves the knee’s sensorimotor function.
Recovery time from patellar tendonitis
In cases of acute patellar tendonitis, it is primarily rest and relief that will help. Depending on the severity of the irritation, you should take a break from running for between six and 12 weeks and take it easy on your knee joint.
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This information is provided for general information purposes and should not be relied on as a substitute for medical advice, evaluation or care from a qualified and licensed health care provider. The information contained here is not to be considered a plan of care of physical therapy.
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