JUMPERS KNEE (AKA PATELLAR TENDONITIS)
Jumper’s knee is a tendonitis condition that affects the lower part of the knee
cap tendon. It is common in athletes who overuse their knee often by running and
jumping such as in basketball and volleyball. The primary symptoms of Jumpers knee
is swelling, pain, and tenderness at the bottom tip of the knee cap at the insertion
of the patellar tendon. Pain usually occurs with running, jumping, hopping and/or
kneeling. The affected area can become more very tender to touch. The diagnosis
of Jumpers Knee can be made by physical examination by a physician and reliably
confirmed with an MRI.
Recommendations:
- Consult a physician if you think you have Jumpers Knee
- Avoiding overuse is important, as is modifying the specific offending activity
- Rest is the most important part of the treatment program for Jumpers knee. Decrease
the training program or exercise by 50 percent. If that does not cure the problem,
training/exercise should be decreased again by 50 percent.
- Warm up and stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon
flexibility
- Vigorous leg strengthening program and cross-training to build endurance and prevent
injuries due to fatigue
- Develop a Cross-training program to prevent repetitive running and jumping activities
- Use Knee supports