Patellar tendinitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis
Complications
Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Patellar tendinitis is an injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon plays a pivotal role in the way you use your legs. It helps your muscles extend your lower leg so that you can kick a ball, push the pedals on your bicycle and jump up in the air.

Patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping — for instance, basketball, soccer and volleyball players. For this reason, patellar tendinitis is commonly known as jumper's knee. However, anyone can suffer from patellar tendinitis, whether a frequent jumper or not.

For most people, treatment of patellar tendinitis begins with conservative approaches.

Symptoms