Condition
Patellar Tendonitis
Tendons and Muscles Affected
The primary area affected is the patellar tendon. Secondary areas of involvement are the quadriceps muscle and tendon. Commentary The patellar tendon connects the patella to the superior pertubrunce of the tibia. This tendon is part of the ‘extensor mechanism’ of the knee, and together with the quadriceps muscle and the quadriceps tendon, these structures allow your knee to straighten out, and provide strength for this motion. Patellar tendonitis is the condition that arises when the tendon & the tissues that surround it, become inflamed & irritated. This is usually due to overuse, especially from jumping activities. This is the reason patellar tendonitis is often called “jumper’s knee.” The most common symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain directly over the patellar tendon. Other common symptoms are pain with activities, especially jumping or kneeling. Less common, but not unusual, is swelling around the tendon itself.
Who is Affected
When overuse is the cause of patellar tendonitis, patients are usually active participants of jumping- types of sports such as basketball or volleyball. Patellar tendonitis may also be seen with sports such as running/trail running and soccer.
*Additional information regarding the supporting structures & cartilage of the knee In lower
extremity sports and activities it is common to sprain or completely tear the stabilizing tendons of the knees. These four tendons are the: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) — runs along the inner part of the knee and prevents the knee from bending inward. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) — runs along the outer part of the knee & prevents the knee from bending outward. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — lies in the middle of the knee. It prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur, and provides rotational stability to the knee. Posterior cruciate
ligament (PCL)– lies in the middle of the knee. It prevents the tibia from sliding out behind the femur. It is also common to injure the meniscus of the knees. The meniscus is a disk of cartilage that serves as a cushion between the ends of bones that meet in the knee joint. The meniscus also provides a smooth surface for the ends of the knee bones to slide over. Acupuncture provides an adjunct therapy that speeds in the recovery of these injuries.
