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Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (the patella) to
the shin bone. This is part of the 'extensor mechanism' of
the knee, and together with the quadriceps muscle and the
quadriceps tendon, these structures allow your knee to
straighten out, and provide strength for this motion. The
patellar tendon, like other tendons, is made of tough
string-like bands. These bands are surrounded by a vascular
tissue lining that provides nutrition to the tendon.
Patellar tendonitis is the condition that arises when the
tendon and the tissues that surround it, become inflamed and
irritated. 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 tendonitis usually causes pain directly over the
patellar tendon. Your doctor should be able to recreate your
symptoms by placing pressure directly on the inflamed
tendon. The other common symptom of patellar tendonitis is
pain with activities, especially jumping or kneeling. Less
common, but not unusual, is swelling around the tendon
itself.
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