Patellar Tendonitis Causes and Solutions
What is patellar tendonitis?
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone and works with the muscles on the front of the thigh to extend the knee. Patellar Tendonitis, also known as Jumper's Knee, is an inflammation of the patellar tendon and is commonly seen in athletes whose sports require frequent jumping. Although it is most commonly seen in athletes, the inflammation can occur in anyone.
What causes patellar tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury. Repetitive motion and prolonged stress can cause microtears in the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain. It’s relatively common in basketball players and volleyball players because of the amount of jumping required.
What are the symptoms of patellar tendonitis?
The symptoms of patellar tendonitis can be mild or severe and initially may include pain and tenderness at the bottom of the kneecap. In the beginning, symptoms might be sporadic, only occurring during activity or when getting up from a squat. As the tendon becomes more injured, pain can start to interfere with daily activities, such as walking up and down stairs, or even sitting.
What is the best knee brace for patellar tendonitis?
The best knee braces for patellar tendonitis are designed to alleviate pain with medical-grade compression and allow the tendon to heal with pressure-relieving straps surrounding the knee joint. In milder cases, a patella tendon strap can be enough to relieve pain and restore function.
