Patellar Tendinitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Patellar Tendinitis?

A tendon is a tissue that is responsible for connecting our muscle to the bone. A tendon is present in our body that connects the kneecap to the shinbone and allows us to run and jump. Patellar tendinitis occurs when this tendon is affected due to immense running, jumping or kicking. It is for this reason why this is also commonly known as the jumper’s knee.

What Are The Symptoms Of Patellar Tendinitis?

Since this is an injury which is caused due to the affected tendon, the only major and reliable symptom for diagnoses is pain. The victim experiences pain around the kneecap and the shinbone. If the pain occurs every time immediately after a workout, during sport performance or when climbing stairs, a person must react immediately because even though Patellar tendinitis does not seem to be a dangerous injury but it might require a surgery if it turns worse.

What Causes Patellar Tendinitis?

When too much stress is given to the patellar tendon, patellar tendinitis occurs. As a consequent, tiny tears start to emerge in the tendon. The body tries to repair them itself first. However, as the time passes by, the tears become numerous and the body fails to repair them. This leads to pain in that specific area.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Patellar Tendinitis?

Few factors tend to increase the chances of experiencing patellar tendinitis, these risk factors include:

Training on hard surface is a major risk factor of patellar tendinitis. Therefore, it is recommended to train on a soft surface.
Sudden change of sport.
Increasing the time and efforts of workout and exercise.
Weakness of muscles.

Experts believe that if the frequency of training is suddenly increased, it could be a major risk factor for Patellar tendinitis.

How Is Patellar Tendinitis Diagnosed?

The only test that could be useful in diagnosing this disorder is an X-ray. Other than that, a doctor might use several measures. This is because the symptom of patellar tendinitis is common in many other diseases and disorders. So a doctor might ask you for an explanation about how the injury occurred and may ask you to perform some physical movements.

How Is Patellar Tendinitis Treated?

There are several ways to reduce the pain and symptoms of this disorder. These might include:

Application of ice on the affected area.
Medication: Medicines like Ibuprofen and aspirin (make sure you take what a medical expert prescribes.
Physical Therapy.
Surgery could be a last option for victims whose case turns worse.