In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about patellar tendonitis and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Patellar tendonitis, or patellar tendinopathy, occurs when the patellar tendon connecting your tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap) deteriorates. Your tendon grows weaker and more painful and is less able to withstand loading, which impairs your walking and activity.
Table of Contents
- Patellar Tendinopathy Causes
- Symptoms
- Self-Treatment
- Treatment Options
- Prevention
- Physiotherapy
- Surgery
- FAQ
- Case Studies
- Clinic Info & Author Bio
- References
Patellar Tendinopathy Causes
The actual cause of patellar tendinopathy is unknown. However, it is considered an overuse injury or ailment that can develop due to repetitive stress on the patellar tendon. It might occur due to excessive jumping, which is why volleyball and basketball players frequently acquire it. When you land after a jump, the tension on your patellar tendon can cause injury and eventually wear it down.
While patellar tendinopathy is more common in your twenties to thirties, it can occur at any age. Additionally, it has been associated with:
- Overtraining
- Ineffective technique
- Exercising on abrasive surfaces
Patellar Tendinopathy Symptoms
One of the most frequently occurring symptoms is pain or discomfort just behind the kneecap. You may notice a gradual increase in discomfort rather than a sudden sharp onset.
Initially, discomfort may occur after physical activity and subside with warming up, but over time it can escalate to constant pain affecting daily activities. The knee may also be sensitive to touch. If untreated, patellar tendonitis may become inflamed or rupture, causing significant pain and instability.
Self-Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis
Follow the POLICE protocol for soft tissue injuries:
- Protect
- Optimal loading
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Avoid heat, alcohol, running, and massage during the first three days. Reduce painful activities like jumping and squatting, and substitute with low-impact workouts like swimming or cycling.
Treatment Options for Patellar Tendonitis
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy has a clinically proven ability to treat patellar tendonitis. It relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and stimulates collagen production for tendon repair. This targets the root cause, offering a long-term solution.
Additional treatments include rest, ice, medication, stretching, strengthening exercises, and physiotherapy. Severe cases with tendon rupture may require surgical repair.
Prevention for Patellar Tendinopathy
Don’t Play with Pain
Ice the knee and rest if discomfort occurs. Avoid repeated stress until pain subsides.
Muscle Building
Strengthen thigh muscles, especially with eccentric exercises to resist tendon stress.
Technique Improvements
Take classes or expert coaching when starting new activities to ensure proper technique.
Patellar Tendinopathy Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist will assess your knee and design a customized rehabilitation program with stretching and strengthening exercises. Supportive devices like knee straps or braces, and therapies like ESWT may be recommended.
Patellar Tendinopathy Surgery
Most patients do not require surgery. If conventional therapies fail or tendon rupture occurs, arthroscopic surgery may repair the tendon. Recovery can take 6–9 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can patellar tendonitis heal on its own?
Patellar tendonitis may improve with rest, therapy, and proper rehabilitation, but chronic cases often require professional intervention or Prolotherapy.
What activities worsen patellar tendonitis?
High-impact sports, excessive jumping, and improper technique can exacerbate symptoms.
When should I see a doctor?
If pain persists beyond 2–3 weeks or worsens, consult a healthcare professional.
Can surgery fully repair patellar tendonitis?
Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases or tendon rupture; most cases improve with non-surgical interventions.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: A 25-year-old basketball player with chronic patellar tendonitis underwent 6 sessions of Prolotherapy combined with physiotherapy. Pain decreased from 8/10 to 2/10, and he returned to competitive play within 12 weeks.
Case Study 2: A 32-year-old runner with recurrent tendon pain received Prolotherapy and an eccentric strengthening program. Within 10 weeks, the patient regained full function and resumed marathon training.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let Patellar tendonitis control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch:
Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
Our Clinic Locations:
London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH
All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Patellar tendonitis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Patellar tendonitis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-eaton-4338225b/
References
- Morrison W. What Is Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)? Healthline. Sept 2018.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/
- Mayoclinic staff. Patellar tendinitis. Mayoclinic, Oct 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellar-tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376113
- Patellar tendinopathy. https://www.physio-pedia.com/