Jumpers Knee, also known as Patellar Tendonitis or Patellar Tendinitisis refers to knee pain in the patellar or quadriceps tendon which connects both the kneecap (patella) with the shine bone.
See knee diagram and knee muscles for a better understanding of knee anatomy.
Patellar Tendonitis is usually associated with an overuse injury. For example, athletes involved in jumping sports such as basketball or volleyball frequently suffer from jumpers knee due to repeated jumping movements.
Causes
Caution! – It is always best to have your knee pain checked out even though it may feel minor. Neglecting jumpers knee may make future treatment difficult and, in some cases, might require surgery.
Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis) is most usually caused by repetitive activities such as running, jumping and kicking. However, below are a list of other known causes.
- Steroid use
- Previous surgery near the tendon
- Chronic renal failure
- Hyperbetalipoproteinemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Diabetes
- Infection
Symptoms
The main symptom of Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis) is pain around the bottom part of the kneecap. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain when jumping, running or walking
- Pain bending or straightening the leg
- Tenderness behind the kneecap
- Calf weakness
- Stiffness
- Aching
- Swollen knee tendons
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing pain while jumping or any other symptom above you might be suffering from Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis). If that is the case contact your doctor. He or she will perform a physical examination and check your medical history to evaluate your knee injury. Your visit may include an X-Ray.
Treatment
The most recommended way to treat Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis) is by using RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compress & Elevate). Tendonitis sometimes improves by changing the activities which can aggravate the injury, Hence, resting the knee and avoiding stressful activity for some time is extremely important.
Athlete's Guide to Chronic Knee Pain (ebook)
Over the counter medication will temporarily relieve the knee pain but should not be used as the primary treatment. Exercise & physical therapy might be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Surgery may be required if nonsurgical methods fail to provide knee pain relief.
Prevention
Preventing Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis) is possible. In order to reduce the chances of developing it certain changes should be made.
- Pace yourself and don’t over do it.
- Rest your knees regularly
- Avoid playing or practicing on hard surfaces, if avoidable
- Where appropriate footwear
- RICE your knees after completing your activity
- Change activities altogether
Other related knee issues you may be experiencing could include:
Have You Ever Had Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)? Please Comment Below.
