What is Patellar Tendinitis?
The patellar tendon is a ligament that connects the shin bone to the patella that helps the muscles extend the knee.
What are the symptoms of patellar tendinitis?
Most individuals experience localized, sharp knee pain near the patellar tendon area as the first sign of patellar tendinitis. The pain would be felt around your patellar tendon which could be in front of, aside, and sometimes behind your kneecap. The pain may become more intense when extending the knee or increasing the use of the quadriceps. If left untreated, the patellar may get inflamed and become more painful during and/ or after working out or being active.
What causes patellar tendinitis?
Over-stressing your tendon and improper body mechanics are the primary causes of patellar tendinitis and knee pain.
- Overuse of your knees may cause patellar tendinitis because you are constantly stressing your knee, wearing down the tissue. Activities such as climbing, squatting, biking, running, or any other activity that involves back and forth movement extending and retracting your knee could cause significant knee pain.
- Knowing proper body mechanics is very important because using your joints and tissues incorrectly may cause them to wear down or become over-stressed, which could eventually cause a tear. Your hip down to your feet are connected by just the right amount of tendons, muscles, and ligaments.. it is our responsibility to keep these tissues healthy and strong. If you feel like you are doing any activities improperly, a physical therapist can help you become comfortable with completing tasks correctly.
High school athletes are commonly diagnosed with patellar tendinitis because they might not be aware of the proper mechanics and can be involved in multiple sports year round. It is important to know how your body works and how your body heals to avoid injuries and painful conditions.
What are my treatment options?
If you experience knee pain at any time, be sure to give your leg the proper rest time to allow the injury to recover. If after resting you are still experiencing knee pain, you will need to contact a health care professional who can create a plan of care for your condition.
Physical therapy is the most cost-effective and least invasive option. Physical therapists are highly trained movement and body experts who can identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems. Our physical therapists like to educate you on the proper body mechanics so that you can also prevent further conditions!
Many individuals think they have to see an orthopedist because it is an orthopedic injury, but in reality, this may cost you more in the long run and they may want to jump to an invasive procedure rather than starting with the basics.
Alaska is a direct access state, meaning, you can see a provider without having a referral from your doctor, although some insurances will require it. Our offices will call your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary and to verify your benefits. Call today to schedule your appointment if you are having chronic knee pain!
(907) 563-2122
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