Jumper’s knee doesn’t just happen to jumpers. 
Truth is, we see plenty of runners, lifters, pickleball players — even desk-jockeys — dealing with nagging pain right below their kneecap. Patellar tendinitis (or patellar tendonitis… however you like to spell it) is an overuse injury that happens when your quadriceps overpower your glutes, placing repetitive stress on the patellar tendon over time.
When this tendon gets angry, it lets you know — with sharp, achy, or burning pain right below the kneecap.
Ever feel like your knee just doesn’t trust you anymore? One minute you’re running hills around Lake Minnetonka or crushing your WOD at the gym — and the next, your knee is barking like you’ve aged 40 years overnight.
Here’s the thing: your knee might not actually be the problem. It’s usually the victim of what’s happening above (the hip) or below (the ankle). At Minnesota Movement Chiropractic & Sports Rehab in Excelsior, we see this all the time — athletes, golfers, runners, and weekend warriors dealing with stubborn knee pain that keeps coming back no matter how much they stretch, foam roll, or ice it.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. We’ll help you figure out why your knee’s angry, fix the real cause, and get you back to doing what you love — pain-free and stronger than before.
(Spoiler: your knee will thank you, and so will your squat form.)
Read MoreIt is difficult to pinpoint the direct cause of runner’s knee. In its basic form, runner’s knee occurs when that precious cartilage under your kneecap breaks down and is worn to the point where it is no longer protective, causing pain. Or, it can happen because your gait or biomechanics are off causing uneven tracking of the patella and resulting in uneven wear and tear. You may develop it because of an injury but the biggest culprit is overuse. You will notice knee pain during even the simplest activities like using stairs, squatting, and kneeling. So for those of you who live an active lifestyle, pay close attention to your knees.
Read MoreThe iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the hip, along the outside of the thigh, and attaches just below the knee. When the muscles that attach to this band (Glute Min and Tensor Fascia Latae) become tight or overused, it can rub against the outer knee and/or hip, causing inflammation and pain. When the IT band thickens or tightens, it places extra pressure on the knee bursa, leading to swelling, irritation, and pain—especially during running, cycling, or prolonged walking. Our goal with treatment and rehabilitation exercises is to restore the muscle balance necessary in order to decrease the tension of the soft tissues and therefore reduce the friction across the knee or hip. In other words, addressing the root cause and not just covering up symptoms!
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