Patellar tendinitis (also known as patellar tendonitis or colloquially as jumpers knee) is an overuse injury resulting from repetitive overloading of the extensor mechanism of the knee.
This overloading then then progresses to inflammation of the patellar tendon (shown in the diagram on the left).
The patellar tendon connects your kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). This repetitive overloading causes microtearing of the tendon near its point of attachment to the patella. The result is patellar tendinitis.
Most individuals suffering from patellar tendonitis are between 10 and 16 years old. The incidence of this condition tends to be highest in sports involving jumping, like basketball or volleyball. Hence the alternative term “jumpers knee” for the condition. Risk factors include weak gluteal muscles and muscle tightness in the calves, quadriceps and hamstrings.
The main symptoms of jumpers knee are pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon (just below the kneecap). The patient may also observe swelling in the same area. The pain will tend to increase when running, jumping or walking, as these actions place additional stress on the patellar tendon. Other activities that may result in increased pain include leg bending or straightening.
Something to note is that similar symptoms are also present with other conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome or chondromalacia). As a result, it is advisable to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms, instead of jumping to conclusions.
Treatment of patellar tendinitis or jumpers knee usually includes rest as the primary component. In addition, doctors may suggest using NSAID medications for additional pain and inflammation control.
In addition, the patient may be advised to follow the remaining parts of a R.I.C.E. strategy by:
Additional treatment measures for patellar tendinitis may include stretching or strengthening exercises for the quadricep muscles that control the patellar tendon. These exercises will equip the tendon to better handle the stresses of running, jumping, etc.
Kinesiology tape can also be applied over the tendon for pain relief and to promote healing from patellar tendonitis or jumpers knee.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine EASYfit® Kinesiology Tape applications are easy to apply, are latex free and allow complete freedom of movement while in use.
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This popular knee strap applies pressure to the patellar tendon to reduce the pain of tendonitis. Available in seven colors and is a one size design.
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Dr. Kenzo Kase invented and developed the Kinesio Taping method over 30 years ago. The Kinesio Taping method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It successfully treats a variety of orthopaedic, neuromuscular, neurological and medical conditions.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Kinesiology Tape – 30m Continuous Roll comes in a box designed for convenient dispensing and features Mueller’s revolutionary wave adhesive pattern for effective rehabilitation of sore, weak or damaged muscles or joints.
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Try the Mueller Sports Medicine Kinesiology Tape – 5m Continuous Roll for rapid rehabilitation for your sore, weak or injured muscles and joints. With its revolutionary wave pattern adhesive, it will lift your skin as you move to optimize your circulation and promote early recovery to full health.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Kinesiology Tape – I-Strip Roll will lift the skin to promote blood and lymphatic circulation and reduce pain. It is designed to treat ligament injuries and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel. It is used by Olympians and professional athletes to reduce muscular pain, increase their mobility and speed their recovery from injuries.
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The McDavid Knee Strap / Patella has a tubular, non-slip buttress that applies constant uniform compression at the patellar tendon. It has an adjustable hook and loop closure for custom fit.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Reducing symptoms of patellar tendonitis (runner’s/jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease and patella tracking
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The McDavid Knee Support / Adjustable has movable padded buttresses for added compression and pain relief. There is also an adjustable hook and loop closure for custom fit. The flat-seam construction provides ultra comfort and contouring fit
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Reducing symptoms of patellar tendonitis (runner’s/jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease and patella tracking
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The McDavid Knee Support With Stays has a padded buttress that supports the patella. Spring steel stays provide reinforced support and elastic hook and loop straps ensure an outstanding fit. There is an exterior layer of nylon fabric for durability.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
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The McDavid Knee Support With Stays & Cross Straps features reinforced spring steel stays offer enhanced medial-lateral confidence. Also included are elastic cross straps for enhanced compression and added rotational and collateral ligament support. The padded open buttress offers 360˚ support of the patella.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
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The Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
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Relief and support for sore knees with performance foam patellar ring
The Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer with Conforma Hinge is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
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Kinesio® Pre-Cut, not a slap on solution. Kinesio® Pre-Cuts are true field tested Kinesio taping applications. Each Kinesio® Pre-Cut is adjustable and designed for easy application. For the Back, Neck, Knee, Wrist and Foot. Each application comes with easy to follow, step-by-step application instruction, as well as measurement guides on the paper backing to adjust to your needs.
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Petallar tendonitis and osgood-schlatter disease treatment
The BioSkin Q Baby Patella Tendon Strap is an ultra-low profile patella tendon strap constructed from Bio Skin’s micro-fleece-lined Ultima 2SL™ material. The Q Baby wraps comfortably around the knee, just below the patella. The design includes a uniquely shaped silicon pad that fits over the patellar tendon to give compression
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Silicone ring helps keep swelling off the joint
The Bio Skin Visco Knee Skin with Conforma Hinge is an excellent all-purpose knee support. The Visco gel ring around the patella provides passive massage to remove swelling and decrease knee pain. The brace is comfortable enough to wear all the time and is very useful a few weeks after knee surgery to control swelling and speed recovery. Constructed fromBio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the Visco Knee Skin gives excellent compression. Finger loops make application easy.
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Silicone ring helps keep swelling off the joint
The Bio Skin Visco Knee Skin with Thigh & Calf Straps is an excellent all-purpose knee support. The Visco gel ring around the patella provides passive massage to remove swelling and decrease knee pain. The brace is comfortable enough to wear all the time and is very useful a few weeks after knee surgery to control swelling and speed recovery. Constructed fromBio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the Visco Knee Skin gives excellent compression. Finger loops make application easy.
