It is a common cause of pain in the inferior patellar region. It occurs due to irritation of the tendon and progresses to tearing and degeneration. It is a degenerative process rather than inflammatory tendonitis. Palpation below the kneecap will reproduce the patient’s symptoms.
X-rays will appear normal. MRI and ultrasound will show degenerative changes in the tendon and tendon hypertrophy. Ultrasound with colored Doppler may show increased vascularity. Examine the patient for flexibility of the lumbar spine as well as the hamstring and quadriceps tendon. Stiffness may cause patellar tendonitis.
Treatment
Treatment for jumper’s knee will include anti-inflammatory medication, rest, ice, physiotherapy, stretching and strengthening and activity modification. A patellar tendonitis strap is worn to help relieve knee pain that is caused by patellar tendonitis (Figure 3).