Patellar Tendinitis
What is it?
Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is inflammation of the patellar tendon. This is a common condition in athletes due to the repetitive nature of most sports.
Common Symptoms
• Pain and tenderness, located just below the knee cap (patella)
• Decreased strength and flexibility of the quadriceps muscle
What causes this condition?
• Overuse from jumping or running activities
• Training on unforgiving surfaces
• Improper footwear
• Poor flexibility of the quadriceps and/or hamstrings
• Flat feet or high arches
Treatment Options
• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
• Anti-inflammatory meds
• Chopat strap
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics
• Biomechanical motion assessment
If you are experiencing pain in your knee, please see your athletic trainer for an assessment and treatment.