Patellar tendonitis is showed by a model of the kneecap with a patella tendon that is pointing to the front of a person's leg. The patellar tendon is found at the front of the knee.
Patellar tendonitis occurs as a result of the overstressed of the patella tendon which has been found to occur during jumping or during heavy landing. Patellar tendonitis is often referred to as jumper’s knee.
The medical term that is used to describe the kneecap is patella and this patella tendon joins the kneecap to the shinbone. The tendons are made up of strong tissue and connect muscles to the bones.
In the event that additional stress is applied to the tendon by an individual, it can lead to the development of tiny tears in the tissue. This can leads to inflammation, but it takes a short period of time for the injury to get healed. However, recurrent strains can cause the tears to develop faster than the body can repair.
Patellar tendonitis develops gradually. The condition becomes more difficult every time the tendon is overstressed. It is, therefore, necessary to rest your knee after each injury as it will provide the body enough time to heal.
Causes of Jumper’s Knee
Patellar tendinitis is a common injury caused by excessive work; it is also caused by repeated stress on the patellar tendon. Tiny tears in the tendon occur as a result of the stress which the body makes attempt to repair.
As soon as the tears in the tendon increase, it can lead to pain from inflammation and weakening of the tendon. When this tendon damage lasts longer than a few weeks, it is referred to as tendinopathy.
Risk Factors
There are some combinations of the factor which have been found to contribute to the development of patellar tendinitis, including:
1. Physical activity. Physical activities such as running and jumping are usually associated with patellar tendinitis. A sudden increase in the strength or frequency of activity increases more stress to the tendon, as well as changing the sneaker.
2. Tight leg muscles. Tight leg muscles (quadriceps) and hamstrings, which run up the back of the thighs, are known to increase strain on the patellar tendon.
3. Muscle imbalance. In the event that there is an imbalance of muscles, the stronger muscles can pull more on the patellar tendon. Tendinitis can occur as a result of this uneven pull.
4. Serious illness. Some diseases disturb the flow of blood to the knee, weakening the tendon. Examples of such illness include kidney failure, autoimmune diseases for example lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee
Pain and tenderness which appears beneath the kneecap are the main symptoms of patellar tendonitis.
Usually, the pain begins after exercise, and continuous exercise is likely to increase discomfort. Jumping, running, and landing can aggravate the pain.
An individual may start to experience weakness in the knee, especially during exercises that put pressure on that part of the body.
When the leg is straight, the area below the knee may be touching sensitive. The area around the knee may also feel tight or stiff, especially in the morning.
The big tear of the patellar tendon is a serious injury, and a full tear will separate the tendon from the kneecap. An individual may hear a tearing or popping sound and feel serious pain. There can also be swelling and bruising on the knee. It may be difficult to work and it can also be difficult for the individual to straighten the leg.
Jumper's Knee Treatment
Treatment for Jumper's Knee requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your knee to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
