Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar Tendonitis

What is it?

Patellar tendonitis is defined as an inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap and shinbone. A sharp pain in this region may be experienced during activity and subside or become a dull ache with rest. Causes of patellar tendonitis include repeated jumping, rapid increases in exercise intensity and/or frequency, decreased flexibility of quadriceps and hamstrings, muscle weakness and/or imbalance, and elevation of the kneecap.

What can you do?

Initially, use the RICE method (relative rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Training modification is also necessary (reduction of training time, use of decreased weight- bearing activities, including cycling, swimming, elliptical machine). Stretching and strengthening of the hamstrings and quads in addition to core strengthening are also important. A patellar strap is sometimes used to treat patellar tendonitis.