Treatment and rehabilitation of patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis, commonly known as "jumper's knee", is a prevalent overuse injury that primarily affects athletes involved in sports requiring frequent jumping and abrupt directional changes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the pathophysiology, causes, and injury mechanisms associated with patellar tendinitis, focusing on the role of repetitive mechanical overload and circulatory disturbances at the tendons insertional region. The high tensile stress experienced during jumping and landing activities significantly contributes to tendon microtears and degeneration, potentially leading to chronic tendinopathy if left untreated. The review also classifies patellar tendinitis based on severity, ranging from mild pain to complete tendon rupture. Both surgical and conservative treatment options are discussed, with surgical intervention recommended for severe cases and conservative approaches such as pharmacotherapy, eccentric strength training, patellar taping, and shockwave therapy shown to be effective in reducing pain and promoting tendon healing. This review aims to provide valuable insights for clinicians and sports professionals, enhancing understanding of injury mechanisms and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and athletic performance.