What is Tennis Knee?
Tennis knee, also known as “jumper’s knee” or “patellar tendinitis”, is an overuse injury of the tendons that connect the kneecap to the shinbone. It is one of the most common overuse injuries in sports, especially in tennis and basketball. It is caused by excessive and repetitive strain on the patellar tendon, which attaches the kneecap to the shinbone. Symptoms of tennis knee include pain around the kneecap, swelling, and tenderness.
Causes of Tennis Knee
Tennis knee is most often caused by repetitive use of the knee joint, such as during tennis or basketball. The repetitive strain on the patellar tendon can cause it to become inflamed and irritated, leading to tennis knee. Other activities that can contribute to tennis knee include running, jumping, and squatting. It is also more common in athletes who have poor technique, weak muscles, or tightness in the muscles surrounding the knee.
Risk Factors for Tennis Knee
The following are some of the risk factors for developing tennis knee:
- Age: Tennis knee is more common in people over the age of 30.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop tennis knee than women.
- Previous Injury: People who have had a previous injury to their knee are more likely to develop tennis knee.
- Poor Technique: Poor technique while playing sports can lead to an increased risk of developing tennis knee.
- Weak Muscles: Weak muscles around the knee can contribute to tennis knee.
Symptoms of Tennis Knee
Tennis knee can cause pain and tenderness around the kneecap, as well as swelling and stiffness. The pain may increase with activity and decrease with rest. Other symptoms include a “popping” sensation in the knee and difficulty straightening the knee.
Diagnosis of Tennis Knee
If you think you may have tennis knee, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis. Your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. They may also order an X-ray or MRI to rule out other conditions or to get a better look at the knee.
Treatment of Tennis Knee
Treatment for tennis knee depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, the first line of treatment is rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. It is important to stop the activity that is causing the pain and allow the knee to heal. Physical therapy can also be helpful in strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving flexibility.
Non-surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatments for tennis knee include:
- Rest: It is important to take a break from the activity that is causing the pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
- Knee brace: Wearing a knee brace can help support the knee and reduce pain.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat tennis knee. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the condition. Options include:
- Tendon debridement: During this procedure, the surgeon will remove any damaged tissue from the tendon.
- Tendon repair: During this procedure, the surgeon will repair any tears in the tendon.
- Tendon transfer: During this procedure, the surgeon will transfer a healthy tendon to the affected area.
Prevention of Tennis Knee
The best way to prevent tennis knee is to take care of your body. This includes stretching before and after activity, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and using proper technique while playing sports. It is also important to take breaks throughout the activity and avoid overuse of the knee joint.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of tennis knee. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan. It is also important to see a doctor if the pain does not improve with rest and home treatment.
Conclusion
Tennis knee is a common overuse injury of the patellar tendon. It is most often caused by repetitive use of the knee joint, such as during tennis or basketball. Symptoms of tennis knee include pain around the kneecap, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment for tennis knee includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. The best way to prevent tennis knee is to take care of your body and avoid overuse of the knee joint. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of tennis knee, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.