Symptoms
The patellar tendon joins the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone. This tendon allows the thigh muscles to straighten the leg when jumping. With repeated strain, micro-tears as well as degeneration may occur as a result in the tendon.
The most common symptoms associated with patellar tendonopathy include:
- Pain below the knee cap knee cap.
- Aching and stiffness after participating in an activity.
- Pain when the thigh muscles are contracted.
Causes
The most common causes of patellar tendonopathy include:
- Repetitive jumping.
- Repetitive running.
Treatment
The conservative treatment of patellar tendonopathy includes a combination of relative rest, rehabilitation exercises, ice, and friction based treatments to stimulate healing. While being active, a measured to fit patellar strap is recommended to reduce symptoms.