What is it?

The main thing to keep in mind with patellar tendinitis. is that the upper tendon is related to the lower ligament. In other words, what happens to the upper tendon affects the lower tendon and vice-versa.

Patellar tendinitis is an injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone and also the quadriceps femorus muscle (Front side of the leg). The patellar tendon plays a vital role in the way your legs function for activities. The patellar tendon helps your muscles extend your lower leg so that you can kick a ball, pedal your bicycle, and jump up in the air.

Patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping: basketball, soccer, and volleyball players to name a few. 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.

Possible Symptoms:

Again, pain is the first symptom of patellar tendinitis. During physical activity, the pain may feel sharp — especially when running or jumping. After a workout or practice, the pain may persist as a dull ache.

The pain in your knee may also do the following: Be present only as you begin physical activity or just after an intense workout; Increase as you increase the intensity of your activity; Physical pain present before, during and after physical activity; Make going up and down stairs painful; or become a constant ache that can make it difficult to sleep at night.