Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) at DRHC Dubai Sports Injuries Clinic

Patellar tendonitis, commonly referred to as Jumper’s Knee, is a condition that affects athletes and active individuals, particularly those involved in sports that require frequent jumping and sudden movements. It occurs when the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia), becomes inflamed or injured due to repetitive strain. This overuse injury is often seen in sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field, but can affect anyone involved in activities that stress the knees.

Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis:

• Pain just below the kneecap: The hallmark symptom is pain and tenderness at the base of the patella, which can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain.
• Swelling around the knee: Inflammation may cause noticeable swelling around the front of the knee.
• Stiffness: You may experience difficulty in bending or extending the knee fully, especially after physical activity.
• Weakness in the knee: Over time, the affected knee may become weaker, impacting athletic performance or daily activities.
• Pain that worsens with activity: Symptoms typically worsen during activities such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs.

Causes of Patellar Tendonitis:

Patellar tendonitis is primarily caused by overuse and repetitive stress on the knee. It is common in athletes who frequently engage in activities that involve jumping, sprinting, or sudden direction changes. Risk factors include:

• Improper training techniques: Overtraining, poor form, or lack of stretching before exercise can increase the likelihood of injury.
• Tight quadriceps and hamstrings: Muscle imbalances or tightness can place extra strain on the patellar tendon.
• Sudden increase physical activity: Quickly intensifying the duration or intensity of training without proper conditioning can lead to tendon overload.
• Footwear and surfaces: Wearing inappropriate shoes or playing on hard surfaces can increase stress on the knees.

Diagnosis of Patellar Tendonitis:

A comprehensive diagnosis at DRHC Dubai involves:

• Physical examination: The doctor will assess the knee’s range of motion, pain levels, and any visible swelling or tenderness.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate the extent of damage to the patellar tendon and rule out other knee conditions.

Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis:

Treatment at DRHC Dubai focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring strength to the knee. Options include:

• Rest and activity modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the condition is crucial for recovery.
• Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles can help alleviate pressure on the patellar tendon.
• Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the knee can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage pain and swelling.
• Bracing or taping: A knee brace or patellar strap may provide additional support and offload the tendon during activity.
• Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic cases of tendonitis.
• Surgical intervention: In severe or chronic cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be required to repair the damaged tendon.

Prevention Tips for Athletes:

To prevent patellar tendonitis, athletes can take several proactive steps:

• Proper warm-up and Stretching: Focus on dynamic stretching and strengthening the leg muscles before and after sports activities.
• Gradual increase in activity: Avoid sudden changes in training intensity or frequency to reduce stress on the knees.
• Use proper footwear: Ensure that shoes provide adequate support and cushioning for your specific sport.
• Cross-training: Incorporate low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, to give your knees a break from repetitive stress.

Why Choose DRHC Dubai for Sport Injury Care?

At DRHC Dubai, our sports medicine specialists are experienced in treating patellar tendonitis and other sports-related injuries. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and athletic goals. From advanced diagnostic techniques to rehabilitation and preventative strategies, we are committed to getting you back to the activities you love as safely and quickly as possible.

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