Patellar Tendinitis

How do you know if you have jumper’s knee? After all, knee pain can result from a variety of factors.

However, telltale signs of jumper’s knee include:

• Tenderness or pain just below the kneecap—this is where the patellar tendon is located
• Knee pain just as you begin physical activity or soon after a workout
• A burning feeling in the kneecap
• Pain while running, walking, or jumping
• Swelling of the knee
• Difficulty bending or straightening out the leg
• Pain while climbing the stairs or getting up from a chair

In many cases, the resulting knee pain may only appear every once in a while. As the tendon suffers more damage, however, the pain may become more and more extreme. Eventually, the discomfort can interrupt your daily activities. Have you ever heard the old sports cliche, “play through the pain”? Doing so can actually cause more harm than good when it comes to the knee.

Knee conditions often share similar features. If you experience any kind of prolonged knee pain or swelling, it is best to have it checked out by a doctor. This can rule out more serious problems, like an ACL tear, and allow you to select the most appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Patellar Tendinitis

If you experience any of the above symptoms, then schedule an appointment with your doctor or a sports medicine physician. A quick consultation can have you on the path to recovery and at the top of your game once again.

Diagnosing your condition is fairly straightforward. The doctor will review your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms, daily activities, and overall physical health. A physical exam may include applying pressure to tender areas of the knee to determine the exact origin of your pain.

Imaging tests, such as x-rays or ultrasounds, can confirm your diagnosis. These diagnostic tests allow the doctor to obtain a better look at the knee and determine if the patellar tendon is torn.

Wondering About Your Knee Pain?

Putting off treatment can eventually keep you from doing the things your love. Let our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic accurately diagnose your knee condition and provide the most appropriate treatments for your jumper’s knee.

the area. Luckily, most people experience successful results on these treatments. In fact, only about 10% of those suffering from patellar tendinitis will need surgery. That’s a very encouraging number—especially if you are ready to make a return to your favorite sporting activities.

Sticking with your treatment regimen is key to treating patellar tendinopathy. Conservative approaches include:

• Resting the area: Athletes sometimes have difficulty straying from their everyday exercise routine. Sometimes, however, rest is best. It gives the tendon a chance to heal naturally. During the resting period, make sure to elevate and ice the knee.
• Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain in the knee.
• Iontophoresis: This method is used as an alternative to oral medications. Iontophoresis uses a topical corticosteroid medicine and a special device that pushes the medication through your skin.
• Corticosteroid injections: Using ultrasound, your doctor will inject a medication into the sheath surrounding the patellar tendon. This can assist with inflammation reduction and pain relief.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist uses a variety of techniques to stretch and strengthen the area. For example, a PT may give you an exercise routine that reduces muscle spasms and increases overall strength in the legs.
• Knee brace: A special type of brace—known as a patellar tendon strap—can help to displace the pressure of the tendon during movements. This knee brace is usually used in conjunction with physical therapy and other treatments.

Patellar Tendon Surgery

For those who don’t respond well to conservative treatments, surgery may be your next best option. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine physician can allow you to decide if surgery is right for you.

The most common patellar tendon surgery is a knee arthroscopy. In many cases, this can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure. This procedure uses a tiny camera and surgical instruments inserted into the incision. As a result, the orthopedic surgeon obtains a clear view of the area to remove damaged tissue—a process known as debridement. The tendon may also be stabilized using suture anchors. These devices attach damaged tendons securely back to the bone.

After surgery, those who suffer from chronic patellar tendinopathy may resume normal activities in as little as eight weeks.

Sick of Being on the Sidelines?

If your jumper’s knee is keeping you from doing the things you love, then it’s best to consult with an orthopedic doctor. Our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is ready to discuss the best options for your knee pain. If you need surgery, we use the most advanced technology and procedures to reduce incision sizes, tissue damage, and recovery times.

Want to get back into the game? Schedule a consultation with NJ Spine & Orthopedic today.