While jumper’s knee is a common overuse injury among athletes who participate in sports with a lot of jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, and gymnastics, it can affect anyone who regularly performs activities that require repetitive knee extensions. Known clinically as patellar tendonitis, jumper’s knee is a painful condition that refers to pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon, or the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
What is Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)?
The patellar tendon is located at the front of the knee and connects the patella, or kneecap, to the tibia, or shinbone. Together with your quad muscle, your patellar tendon allows you to move your knee and lower leg. When this tendon becomes inflamed and painful from overuse, it is known as patellar tendonitis or patellar tendinopathy. The condition is often referred to as jumper’s knee because it frequently affects people who participate in sports with lots of jumping.
What Causes Jumper’s Knee?
Jumper’s knee is caused by overuse and repetitive stress on the patellar tendon. Repeated wear and tear can cause tiny tears in your tendon. If you keep using your knee for intense physical activity, the tears don’t have time to heal. Eventually, this stress makes your tendon weak and sore. Jumper’s knee can also be caused by a sudden, intense increase in activity, such as starting a new sport or rapidly increasing your training regimen.
What are Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee?
Jumper’s knee symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual. However, most people experience the following:
- Low, dull ache at the front of the knee
- Tenderness when touched below the kneecap
- Stiffness in the knee, which makes it difficult to bend or straighten the leg
Patellar tendonitis pain typically gets worse when you move your knee, particularly when you straighten it, and certain movements, such as climbing or descending stairs and squatting, tend to make it worse.
How is Jumper’s Knee Diagnosed?
An orthopaedic specialist or knee doctor will perform a physical exam comparing your injured knee with your non-injured knee, and ask you questions about your symptoms, when they started, what sports you play or physical activities you participate in, what you do for work, and if any movements make the symptoms worse or better. Your provider may also order imaging tests, such as a knee x-ray, MRI or ultrasound.
How is Jumper’s Knee Treated?
Jumper’s knee is typically treated with rest, ice and elevation, as well as anti-inflammatory medication. Some patients also benefit from wearing a knee brace during their recovery, and participating in physical therapy to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the knee to better support the patellar tendon. Although rare, patellar tendon surgery may be needed if the tendon is ruptured or torn.
Treatment for Jumper’s Knee in Newport New, VA
Knee pain shouldn’t prevent you from doing the things you enjoy, but pushing through the pain isn’t a good idea either. Continuing to use your knee after you start feeling pain puts even more stress on the small tears in your patellar tendon and can make you more likely to experience a rupture.
If you are experiencing a dull ache at the front of your knee that gets worse during physical activity and lasts for a while after you stop activity, or a sharp, severe knee pain after a sudden movement, schedule an appointment with Orthopaedic & Spine Center. Our knee specialists in Newport News, VA will develop a treatment plan to meet your goals and prioritize your long-term knee health.
Call (757) 596-1900 or contact us for jumper’s knee treatment in Newport News, VA.