Definition

Patellar tendinopathy is an injury to the tendon that joins the kneecap to the lower leg bone.

Patellar Tendonitis Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The problem is caused by overuse.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in teens and people under the age of 40. It is also more common in people who do things that involve jumping, such as volleyball and basketball.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Having a high body mass
• Doing too much activity too quickly

Symptoms

This problem causes pain below the kneecap. It often worse during physical activity and when flexing the knee.

The knee may also be swollen and stiff.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your knee. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may be done to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done with:

• Ultrasound
• MRI scan

Treatment

The goal is to ease pain and improve movement. This may be done with:

• Ice and rest to ease pain and swelling
• A knee brace to keep the knee from moving
• Medicine to ease pain and swelling
• Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee

Procedures or surgery may be done if other methods have not helped.

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by slowly increasing the length and duration of activities.