Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar Tendinitis Specialist

People who play sports such as basketball or volleyball that involve jumping are at a higher risk of patellar tendinitis which results from repetitive trauma or overuse. Rarely, an acute injury to the tendon that has not healed properly may also lead to patellar tendinitis. Patellar tendinitis specialist, Dr. Kelechi Okoroha provides diagnosis and individualized non-surgical and surgical management for patellar tendinitis in Minneapolis. Contact Dr. Okoroha’s team for an appointment today!

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Patellar tendinitis, also known as "jumper's knee", is an inflammation of the patellar tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. This tendon helps in extension of the lower leg.

Causes

Patellar tendinitis usually results from repetitive trauma or overuse, particularly from sports activities involving jumping such as basketball or volleyball. Therefore, this condition is also known as jumper’s knee. Rarely, this condition may also occur because of an acute injury to the tendon that has not healed properly.

When a patellar tendinitis is suspected, it is important to schedule an orthopedic consultation for proper examination and care. Dr. Kelechi Okoroha is a patellar tendinitis specialist who provides detailed examination and care for patients with patellar tendinitis in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.

Symptoms

Pain over the patellar tendon is the first symptom of patellar tendinitis. You may also have pain during activities, especially jumping or kneeling. Rarely, swelling around the tendon may be seen.

Diagnosis

Dr. Okoroha will evaluate your condition based on your symptoms and physical examination. X-ray of the knee may be taken to make sure there is no problem involving the bones or bone spurs around the knee. An MRI scan can reveal degenerative changes in the patellar tendon.

Treatment for Patellar Tendinitis

After careful review of your history and examination, Dr. Okoroha will provide an individualized treatment plan to help you return to your normal function.

Conservative treatment options for patellar tendinitis include:

• Rest the injured knee and avoid activities such as running and jumping that worsen the condition
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to provide relief from pain and swelling associated with patellar tendinitis
• Stretching out before exercising is important to prevent recurrence of patellar tendinitis. These exercises can also help strengthen the patellar tendon and nearby muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
• Application of ice to the affected area helps to control the inflammation and reduce the swelling
• A knee support or strap (called an intrapatellar strap or a Chopat strap) can be worn to relieve pain by directing the force away from your tendon and into the strap
• Iontophoresis: In this technique, topical corticosteroid medication is applied to the affected area with the help of a small device that uses an electric charge to deliver the medication through your skin
• Corticosteroid injection: With the guidance of an ultrasound, corticosteroid injection may be given directly into the sheath around the affected patellar tendon. This helps to relieve pain and perform strength exercises without any pain

Surgery

In rare cases such as when there is persistent pain, despite the other treatment options, surgery may be considered. Surgery involves the removal of severely damaged parts of your tendon and repair of any tears in the tendon.