ORTHOPEDICS/HIP & KNEE/KNEECAP (PATELLA) DISORDERS
About ‘Jumper’s Knee’
The kneecap (Patella) is attached to the shinbone by a tendon called Patellar tendon.
This attachment is a part of the knee ‘extensor mechanism’ that together with the kneecap, quadriceps tendon, and the quadriceps muscle, allow the knee to unbend, as they provide flexing motion strength.
Like the other tendons, the patellar tendon is crafted of hard, fibrous bands of tissue and it is surrounded by a coated vascular tissue that provides its nutrition.
Patellar Tendinitis/Tendinosis and Tears
When the Patellar tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, this disorder is called Patellar tendonitis or “jumper’s knee” since athletes who do recurrent jumping often endure this problem.
“Jumper’s knee” is frequently occurring with basketball and volleyball players, although it can also be seen with runners and other sports activities.
“Jumper’s knee” is a chronic disorder that is more gradual in developing, and characterized by the tendon thickening and microscopic tears.
“Jumper’s knee” signs are similar to tendonitis symptoms, but therapy differs.
Sometimes MRI reveals partial patellar tendon tears that usually are characteristic of a chronic patellar tendinosis.
These tears are different from a wide-ranging patellar tendon tear where the entire tendon is detached and necessitate surgical restoration.
Patellar Tendon Disorders/Signs
Patellar tendonitis and tendinosis usually cause direct impact pain over the patellar tendon. The tendon is commonly tender and inflamed. The knee motion may cause a chomping feeling called crepitus directly over the inflamed tendon.
X-ray tests are frequently performed to approve the absence of bone’s difficulty around the knee.
Rarely, a calcium deposit may appear, mostly in patients with a more chronic patellar tendinosis.
An MRI is always helpful to check inflammation or partial tears signs within the tendon.
Patellar Tendon/Therapy
Once the specific diagnosis is confirmed, therapy should be launched, and if the problem shows an aggressive inflammation, therapy may include: Relaxation, Anti-Inflammatory Medications, Stretching and Ice applying.
Sometimes, a supporting band (called an infrapatellar strap or a Chopat strap), a knee brace, or custom orthotics may be used in patellar tendonitis therapy.
Physical therapy (generally eccentric strengthening trainings) is also applies for patellar tendinosis.
PRP injections are still used for patellar tendonitis by some doctors. These injections may help stimulating healing reaction in the body.
Lastly, a surgery (to remove and repair the tendon) may be recommended if all above-mentioned treatments have been tried for an extended duration.