Patellar Tendonitis
Another overuse injury is patellar tendonitis. As you may already know, a tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon—and this one has to deal with the patellar tendon, a piece of connective tissue that sits below the kneecap and connects the patella to the shinbone. You may here patellar tendonitis called Jumper’s Knee, because activities with frequent jumping or jarring landing put immense stress on the patellar tendon. Tiny tears form in the tissue, and that causes inflammation and irritation. Players of sports like volleyball, basketball, football, track and field, gymnastics, skiing, and tennis will sometimes develop patellar tendonitis. However, it can also happen because of aging.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis are usually localized pain around the kneecap and tendon, as well as tenderness to the touch. Additionally, thickening of the tendon is common, followed by stiffness and pain that is made worse with motion. Fortunately, patellar tendonitis can be treated with resting and icing the knee, taking anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises for the quadriceps. However, while the condition responds well, it does take a few weeks to sometimes several months to heal completely.
