PATELLAR TENDON/ QUAD TENDON TEAR

we will screen them for patellar tendonitis. This is a condition where the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone, becomes inflamed.

We usually see this condition develop in athletes between the ages of 15-30. It’s a common overuse injury in sports that demand lots of heavy loading on the patellar tendon. The more susceptible sports include football, basketball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

The most common source of heavy loading on the knee is jumping, which explains why patellar tendonitis has earned the nickname “jumper’s knee.” If patellar tendonitis goes untreated, it can worsen and lead to a tear or a rupture in the patellar tendon. For this reason, it is extremely important that athletes take their knee pain seriously and address it right away.

Diagnosing patellar tendonitis is generally pretty simple. Our experienced clinician will evaluate your symptoms in the context of your age, activity level, and overall history. They will also conduct a physical exam. Generally, the front of the knee is very tender. An athlete with patellar tendonitis may also have trouble jumping, kneeling, or walking up and down stairs without a lot of pain.

Because patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury, rest is an important part of recovery. The healing process should also include an evaluation of performance that can help you build the strength you need to prevent future injury to the patellar tendon.