Newsletter  Winter 06: RC: Patellar Tendonitis

RUNNING CORNER: Patellar Tendonitis

Is knee pain affecting your activity?
Do you have Patellar Tendonitis?

What is it?

Patellar tendonitis is an inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the knee cap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia).  Pain is commonly felt just below the patella.  It is sometimes called jumper's knee.

What causes it?

Patellar tendonitis is often a result of overuse.  It is seen in jumpers, runners, walkers and bikers who have increased their mileage or the intensity of their activity.  Pain may result from alignment problems in the hips, knees and feet, such as “knock knees” and excessive foot pronation.

• pain, sometimes swelling and tenderness around the patellar tendon
• pain is worse with jumping, running and sometimes even walking

• ice and/or anti-inflammatories
• custom-made foot orthotics
• patellar tendon strap
• appropriate running shoes
• physiotherapy
• shockwave therapy