Jumper's Knee
Also known as patellar tendinopathy, patellar tendinosis, or patellar tendonitis, jumper's knee is injury to the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon is necessary in extending your lower leg.
What Causes Jumper's Knee?
Jumper's knee is caused by repeated stress on the patellar tendon, causing small tears in the tendon. The stress can be due to:
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Overuse in sports
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Obesity
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Tight leg muscles or muscular imbalance
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Misalignment of the leg
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Raised knee cap
What Are the Symptoms of Jumper's Knee?
There are four stages of knee pain:
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Mild ache only after activity
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Pain during and after activity that doesn't prohibit active participation
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Intense pain during and after activity, with difficulty in performing
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Complete tendon tear, making any activity impossible
How Is Jumper's Knee Evaluated?
Your physician will conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions and to assess the severity of your injury.
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Hamstring and quadriceps tightness
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Knee stability
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Knee range of motion
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Neurovascular, hip and ankle examination
Your physician may order an ultrasound or MRI.
How Is Jumper's Knee Treated?
Self Care
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Avoid high impact exercise such as running and jumping
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Exercises to stretch muscles and strengthen tendons
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Follow the PRINCE method:
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Protect your knee with a supportive brace. Use crutches until the pain subsides.
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Rest your knee.
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Ice your knee several times a day for 10 to 20 minutes.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) help with pain relief and swelling reduction.
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Compression with an elastic compression wrap also helps reduce swelling—but it does not offer support when walking.
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Elevation. Lie back and prop up your knee to reduce swelling.
Nonsurgical
Surgical approach
Surgery is considered only for severe cases that have not improved after six months of nonsurgical intervention or if there is a complete tendon tear. Your physician will then recommend surgery in which tears are repaired or damaged tendon parts are removed. This surgery can often be performed arthroscopicly.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).