Patellar Tendonitis Treatment Provided by a West Valley City, UT Chiropractor

Patellar tendonitis can cause pain around the front of the knee and make activities such as running, jumping, squatting, or climbing stairs uncomfortable. This overuse injury is especially common among athletes, but it can affect anyone who regularly places repetitive stress on the knee. At Back to Balance, serving West Valley City, UT, and the nearby region, we provide chiropractic and supportive care to help address musculoskeletal factors associated with patellar tendonitis and improve knee function.

About Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the kneecap, or patella, to the shinbone. It works with the muscles at the front of the thigh to help straighten the knee and plays an important role in walking, running, jumping, and other movements.

Patellar tendonitis, sometimes called jumper’s knee, develops when repetitive stress irritates or overloads the patellar tendon. Pain is commonly felt just below the kneecap and may initially occur only during physical activity.

As the problem progresses, discomfort may become noticeable during everyday movements such as climbing stairs, standing from a chair, kneeling, or squatting.

Causes of Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is commonly associated with repetitive activities that place significant stress on the knee. Running and sports involving frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball, can increase stress on the patellar tendon.

Suddenly increasing the frequency or intensity of exercise can also contribute to tendon irritation. Tight or weak muscles in the legs and hips may affect how forces are distributed through the knee during physical activity.

Movement mechanics involving the hips, knees, ankles, or feet may contribute as well. Identifying these factors can be important for reducing stress on the tendon and helping prevent recurring symptoms.

Chiropractic Care for Patellar Tendonitis

When you visit Back to Balance for patellar tendonitis, we begin by discussing your symptoms, physical activities, exercise routine, and movements that aggravate your knee. We may evaluate the mobility, strength, and function of your knee while also examining the hips, ankles, and surrounding muscles when appropriate.

Treatment may include soft tissue techniques to address tightness in the muscles and tissues surrounding the knee. Joint mobilization or chiropractic techniques may also be used when restricted movement in nearby joints is contributing to abnormal stress on the knee.

Rehabilitation exercises are often an important part of conservative care for patellar tendon problems. We may recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises designed to improve the strength and function of the muscles supporting the knee.

Activity modification may also be recommended while the irritated tendon recovers. As symptoms improve, we can provide guidance for gradually returning to running, jumping, sports, or other activities while reducing unnecessary stress on the patellar tendon.

Schedule an appointment with Back to Balance, serving West Valley City, UT and the general vicinity, by calling us today at (801) 966-5106.

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