1. Patellar Tendonitis
The knee is a joint that is sure to suffer from overuse injuries due to its anatomy. The
knee absorbs forces from both the hip and ankle joints. Over the next few blogs we’ll take a look
at some of the more common overuse injuries in the knee starting with patellar tendonitis.
Patellar Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation of the tendon that stabilizes the
patella and the insertions of the quadricep muscles. Patellar Tendonitis, commonly called
jumper’s or kicker’s knee is brought about by repeated jumping; kicking; running; or
plyometric(explosive, fast, repetitive jumping movements) that exert force on the knee. Other
causes of Patellar Tendonitis are wearing worn down shoes; lack of strength in the quadricep
muscles; overweight(which causes general knee pain); and lack or rest days.
Some of the signs of Patellar Tendonitis include: tenderness towards the bottom of the
knee; pain before; during; after activity, and in extreme cases pain before; during; AND after
activity. Athletes can also experience continuous pain around the bottom of the knee. Once you
recognize the signs of patellar tendonitis it is important to cease all exercising that will apply
pressure to your knee; this includes but is not limited to running; jumping; and plyometric
exercises. If you stop exercising and start again too soon you risk rupturing your tendon.
Ruptured Patellar Tendon occurs when there has been an inflammation injury(Paterllar
Tendonitis) for an extended period of time. Because surgery is the only treatment for this injury it
is important to rest your lower body after being diagnosed with Patellar Tendonitis.
Treatment techniques for Patellar Tendonitis include: ice; rest; ibuprofen or tylenol for pain; a
knee brace; and whirlpool or other heat modalities for relaxation.

2. Prevention is the best treatment of patellar tendonitis. One method of prevention is
resistance training. Exercises to incorporate into your resistance training program to decrease
your risk of injury include: front and side lunges; front squats; knee/leg extensions; wall sits; and
straight leg raises;. The lunges; squats; extensions; and curls should be done bilaterally as well as
isolaterally. These exercises can be done with your body weight and advanced to use weights in
the gym. It’s also a smart idea to have a pair of running shoes and a separate pair of shoes to
perform resistance training. If you’re a hard core athlete; runner; or beginner it is smart to
incorporate rest days that include the swimming pool. The pool is both relaxing and therapeutic.
In conclusion Patellar Tendonitis is not something to be taken lightly. If you believe
you’re experiencing symptoms try to get to your physician immediately. Also be sure to stop any
activity that will apply pressure to your knee. I also wouldn’t engage in digesting any pain relief
medications until after a physician’s visit. Remember it is quite alright to work your upper body
and core during this time. This makes it easier to continue a workout routine.
**Have a healthy day**