Patellar tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon, which is the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). We require optimally functioning patellar tendons in order to transmit the force generated by the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh to the tibia (when jumping, leaping, or moving forward in an explosive motion) allowing for proper knee extension without pain or malfunction. When compromised (i.s. patellar tendonitis is evident) you may experience an aching, soreness, or sharp pain in addition to swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the area just below the kneecap, especially during or after activities that involve jumping. And it’s precisely that latter activity and associated pain/malfunction that has caused to come online to search for information using the condition’s nickname – jumper’s knee.
Physiotherapy treatments near you are available to correct the issue. if located anywhere in the Greater Vancouver BC area you can book an appointment at our Burnaby clinic for an assessment and to begin treatment, or read ahead beforehand for added insight.
Why You Have Jumper’s Knee and Why Our Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy Clinic is Where to Come for Help
Common Causes of Jumper’s Knee
As the name infers, the most common cause of jumper’s knee is repetitive jumping associated with certain activities, such as basketball, volleyball. track, and gymnastics. Beyond overuse and excluding certain medical conditions, the following may have caused or contributed to you exhibiting symptoms of jumper’s knee:
- Sudden increase in activity: Did you just start playing basketball or volleyball or doing burpees (etc.) after a hiatus or for the first time? Abrupt increases in the intensity or duration of exercise impacting the patellar tendon can be the cause.
- Improper technique: Jumping, leaping, or running with incorrect form can put stress on the patellar tendon.
- Weak quadriceps muscles: Your quadriceps muscles assist in stabilizing the knee joint, and this weakness can cause or contribute to jumper’s knee.
- Tight hamstrings: Tight hamstrings can pull your kneecap downward and place strain on the patellar tendon.
- Obesity: Excess weight (longstanding or recent) can put additional stress on knee joints and patellar tendons.
How Our Clinic Will Help
Without getting into the weeds of each (we will explain treatment thoroughly in-person), we can tell you with absolute certainty that our full-service clinic offers the most complete suite of physiotherapy-based patellar tendinitis treatments in Greater Vancouver. Acupuncture and dry-needling in addition to massage, modalities, movements, and stretches are among the treatments you may be prescribed.
Jump Pain-Free (and higher?) Through Physiotherapy
(Burnaby and Vancouver residents)