Patellar Tendinopathy - Jumper's Knee

What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?

The patella is a sesamoid bone located in the knee. A sesamoid bone is a bone that is placed within a tendon to give us a better biomechanical advantage when moving the joint. This makes the quads muscles much more efficient at extending the knee. The Patella tendon is the tendon located below the kneecap. A patellar tendonopathy is damage to this tendon, it is also known as patellar tendonitis or Jumper’s Knee.

What Are The Symptoms Of Patellar Tendinopathy?

· Pain below the knee cap
· Swelling
· Pain when sitting for prolonged periods
· Pain when bending the knee fully
· Pain when extending the knee
· Pain with activity.

How Do Orthotic Insoles Help?

Patelllar tendinopathies occur due to excessive tension on the patellar tendon. This strain may occur due to a hyperextension of the knee joint or any internal rotation of the leg. This is turn places an abnormal stress on either side of the tendon. There are many other activity related causes to patellar tendinopathy but the two referenced above can be caused by incorrect foot postures. Orthotic insoles help to externally rotate the leg which can reduce the hyperextension of the knee and place an even tension through the tendon.