Knee Pain - What is Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar Tendinopathy: 

Patellar tendinopathy is also known as jumper's knee. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just someone who loves a little run, understanding this condition and knowing how to treat it can make a world of difference. And guess what? Relive Physiotherapy has got your back (and knees) with a range of effective treatment options!

What is Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). It's often seen in athletes who play sports that involve a lot of jumping, like basketball and volleyball, but it can also affect runners and even those who are just starting a new workout routine. The main symptom? Pain right below the kneecap, especially when you're active.

Signs and Symptoms

The calling card of patellar tendinopathy is pain and tenderness at the base of the kneecap. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Pain: Typically felt between the kneecap and where the tendon attaches to the shinbone. It often worsens with activity.

• Swelling: The area around the tendon may become swollen.

• Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

• Weakness: The knee may feel weak, making it difficult to perform activities like jumping or climbing stairs.

Causes

Patellar tendinopathy is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon. Here are some common causes:

• Overuse: Repeated jumping, running, or other high-impact activities.

• Muscle Imbalance: Stronger muscles pulling harder on the tendon.

• Tight Muscles: Tight quadriceps and hamstrings can increase strain on the tendon.

• Improper Technique: Poor technique during physical activities can contribute to the condition.

 

Sports That Can Lead to Patellar Tendinopathy

Certain sports are more likely to cause patellar tendinopathy due to the repetitive stress they place on the knees. Here are some of the main culprits:

1. Track and Field events: Events like hurdles, long jump, and high jump involve explosive movements that stress the patellar tendon
   
   
2. Football, Hockey & Rugby: Rapid sprints, sudden stops, and directional changes can contribute to tendon overuse
   
   
3. Gymnastics: High-impact landings and repetitive movements can strain the knees
   
   
4. Tennis: Quick lateral movements and sudden stops can lead to patellar tendinopathy
   
   
5. Figure Skating: The repetitive jumps and landings in figure skating can also stress the patellar tendon
   
   
6. Basketball: Frequent jumping and quick changes in direction put a lot of strain on the patellar tendon
   
   
7. Volleyball: Similar to basketball, the constant jumping and landing can lead to overuse injuries in the knees

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing patellar tendinopathy:

• Age: Most common in individuals aged 15-30, especially those involved in sports.
  
  
• Gender: More prevalent in men.
  
  
• Weight: Excess body weight can put additional strain on the tendon.
  
  
• Activity Level: High levels of physical activity, especially sports that involve jumping.

How Common is It?

You might be surprised to learn that patellar tendinopathy isn't just a problem for elite athletes. While it's true that about 18.3% of athletes experience this condition, it also affects around 1.6% of the general population. So, if you're feeling that familiar knee pain, you're definitely not alone! 

Fun Facts About Knee Health

1. Unique Kneecaps: Just like fingerprints, everyone's kneecaps are unique. They can even be used for biometric identification, though it would require an MRI machine
   
   
2. Shock Absorbers: Your knees absorb a lot of shock daily. For every pound you weigh, your knees receive four times the amount of stress
   
   
3. Complex Joints: The knee is the most complicated joint in the body, involving the 3 bones - femur, patella, tibia, and various ligaments, muscles and cartilage
   
   
4. Muscle Power: Knees rely on 10 different muscles to function properly, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
   
   
5. Exercise is Key: Regular exercise keeps your knees healthy. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming help maintain knee strength and flexibility

Prevention Strategies

Preventing patellar tendinopathy involves a combination of proper training techniques, strength conditioning, and flexibility exercises. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Focus on Stretching and Stability: Regular stretching helps lengthen tendons and muscles, reducing muscle spasm and tension. Incorporate stretches for your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves to keep your muscles loose and balanced.
   
   
2. Strengthen Leg and Hip Muscles: Strong muscles around the knee can help distribute the load more evenly and reduce strain on the patellar tendon. Exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses can build strength in your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
   
   
3. Practice Proper Form: Ensuring correct technique during physical activities can prevent excessive stress on your knees. Work with a coach or trainer to refine your form, especially in high-impact sports
   
   
4. Cross-Training: Incorporate low-impact activities like swimming or cycling into your routine to give your knees a break from repetitive stress. This can help maintain overall fitness while reducing the risk of overuse injuries
   
   
5. Gradual Progression: Avoid sudden increases in the intensity or volume of your workouts. Gradually build up your activity levels to allow your body to adapt and strengthen over time
   
   
6. Use Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes with good support and cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your knees. Replace worn-out shoes regularly to maintain proper support
   
   
7. Ice and Rest: After intense activities, use ice to reduce inflammation and give your knees adequate rest to recover. This can help prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions.

Treatment Options at Relive Physiotherapy

Relive Physiotherapy is Chester’s Best Knee Injury Clinic, having treated and helped thousands of people with all kinds of knee injuries. We offer a wide variety of treatments to help you get back on your feet (literally). 

1. Manual Therapy: Our skilled Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to manipulate your muscles and joints. This can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and speed up the healing process.
   
   
2. Ultrasound Therapy: Using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. It's a painless and non-invasive way to treat patellar tendinopathy.
   
   
3. Injection Therapy: For more severe cases, Injection Therapy might be recommended. This can include Corticosteroid Injections to reduce inflammation or Hyaluronic Acid Injections to promote frictionless movement within the joint. It can provide instant relief and is a great solution for long term problems with the knee.
   
   
4. Shockwave Therapy: This innovative treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected tendon. It's particularly effective for long-term persistent cases that haven't responded to other treatments.
   
   
5. Acupuncture: This ancient practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. It's a great option for reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the affected tendon.

 

Usual Recovery Time

Recovery time for patellar tendinopathy can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. Generally, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people can expect to see improvement within a few weeks to several months. Consistency with Physiotherapy and following a tailored treatment plan are key to a successful recovery.

Why Choose Relive Physiotherapy?

At Relive Physiotherapy, we understand that every patient is unique. That's why we tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs and goals. Our team of experienced Physiotherapists is dedicated to helping you recover quickly and effectively, so you can get back to doing what you love.

So, if you're struggling with patellar tendinopathy, don't let it keep you on the sidelines. Reach out to Relive Physiotherapy today and let's get you back in the game!