Patellar tendinitis, unspecified knee Save

Understanding Patellar Tendinitis, Unspecified Knee

Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon. It typically affects athletes involved in sports that require repetitive jumping or explosive movements, such as basketball, volleyball, or track and field. This article provides an overview of patellar tendinitis, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.

Causes:

1. Overuse: Engaging in repetitive activities that strain the patellar tendon can lead to tendinitis. Continuous jumping, squatting, or running can put excessive stress on the knee joint.
2. Poor biomechanics: Issues with foot posture, knee alignment, or muscle imbalances can increase the risk of developing patellar tendinitis.
3. Inadequate warm-up: Failing to properly warm up before exercise can put unnecessary strain on the patellar tendon.

Symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, just below the kneecap.
• Stiffness and swelling in the knee joint.
• Discomfort worsens with jumping, running, or climbing stairs.
• Gradual onset of symptoms rather than a sudden injury.

Preventive Measures:

1. Gradual increase in activity: Avoid sudden spikes in the intensity or duration of physical activities to allow your body to adapt gradually.
2. Proper warm-up: Perform dynamic stretches and exercises to warm up the muscles and increase blood flow to the knee joint.
3. Strengthening exercises: Focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, to provide better support and stability.
4. Proper footwear: Wear well-fitting shoes with good shock absorption to reduce stress on the patellar tendon.
5. Rest and recovery: Give your body sufficient time to rest and recover between training sessions or competitions.

In conclusion, patellar tendinitis is a common condition that primarily affects athletes engaged in high-impact sports. It is crucial to understand the causes and symptoms to take preventive measures and reduce the risk of developing this condition. By gradually increasing activity levels, warming up adequately, and adopting proper strengthening exercises, athletes can minimize the chances of experiencing patellar tendinitis in their knees.