Patellar Tendinitis Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis, also known as "jumper's knee," is a common overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). This tendon is crucial for the movements you use to extend your leg. When it becomes inflamed and irritated from repetitive stress—often from sports like basketball, volleyball, or running—it can cause pain during physical activity and even during daily movements like climbing stairs.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team of highly experienced, board-certified orthopedic knee specialists can accurately diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to provide the relief you deserve from patellar tendinitis:
If you're experiencing knee pain that could be patellar tendinitis, our specialists can provide the expert care you need. Don't wait to address your knee injury. Book an appointment with a Barrington Orthopedic Specialists physician. For urgent needs, visit our Immediate Orthopedic Care Clinic in Schaumburg, IL.
Patellar Tendinitis: Diagnosis & Treatment
Dealing with patellar tendinitis? Understanding the condition and your treatment options is the first step toward recovery. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified sports medicine team is here to create a plan that gets you back to your life.
Patellar tendinitis, also known as "jumper's knee," is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. It occurs when repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping causes tiny tears in the tendon, leading to pain and inflammation. Common symptoms include pain directly over the patellar tendon, especially during and after physical activity, stiffness in the knee, and tenderness when pressure is applied.
To accurately diagnose your condition, our specialists will perform a physical examination, discussing your symptoms and activity levels. In some cases, we may order imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound to assess the extent of the tendon damage and rule out other issues.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we'll create a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and help the tendon heal.
Orthopedic Knee Specialists at BOS
Meet the sports medicine and knee specialists who diagnose and treat patellar tendinitis for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Patellar Tendinitis?+
The most common activity causing patellar tendinitis is too much jumping. Other repeated activities, such as running, walking, or bicycling, may also lead to patellar tendinitis.
All of these activities put repeated stress on the patellar tendon, causing it to become inflamed.
Patellar tendinitis can also happen to people who have problems with the way their hips, legs, knees, or feet are aligned.
This alignment problem can result from having wide hips, being knock-kneed, or having feet with arches that collapse when you walk or run, a condition called overpronation.
What Are The Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis?+
The most common symptoms of patellar tendinitis include:
- Pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon
- Swelling in your knee joint, or swelling where the patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone
- Pain with jumping, running, or walking, especially downhill or downstairs
- Pain with bending or straightening the leg
- Tenderness behind the kneecap
What Are The Treatment Options For Patellar Tendinitis?+
In the early stages, you should apply ice packs for 20 minutes a few times a day for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain goes away.
Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. They may also recommend a patellar tendon strap, a band worn across the tendon just below the kneecap. The strap takes pressure off the patellar tendon to help reduce the irritation.
If you have a problem with overpronation of your foot, your doctor may prescribe custom-made arch supports called orthotics.
You may also be ordered to attend physical therapy or given home exercises to help you return to your sport or activity.