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 MoreTendinopathies—including tendonitis (inflammation) and tendonosis (chronic tendon injury) can occur to a myriad of joints and areas of the body. Whether you’re dealing with pitcher’s shoulder, tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, or Achilles tendon pain, our evidence-based treatments help patients from the greater Lake Minnetonka area recover and prevent re-injury.
Both tendinitis and tendonosis can present with sharp pain at the muscle-joint connection, stiffness, reduced mobility, and tenderness.