In this article I want to talk about Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis): Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
Are you a basketball player? Volleyball player? Runner? Do you or have you ever had pain and swelling around your kneecap tendon? If you answered yes, then you may have Jumper’s Knee or Patellar Tendonitis. Read the details below to learn more about the injury that has sidelined you from playing the
sport that you love.
What is Jumper’s Knee?
● Jumper’s knee is the inflammation of your patellar tendon (the ligament that attaches the kneecap to the shin bone).
● Jumper’s knee weakens the tendons and if left untreated, can lead to tears in the tendon.
● It is common in athletes who perform high repetitions of jumping for speed and power (volleyball, track, basketball, and long-distance running).
● It predominantly occurs in males (common in adolescents and young adults).
Causes
● Overuse of the knee joint, for example, frequent jumping on hard surfaces
● Stress placed on the patellar or quadriceps tendon
● Strain on the tendon that can lead to tendon inflammation
Signs and symptoms
● Pain, swelling, and tenderness around the patellar tendon
● Pain with jumping, running, and walking
● Pain when bending and straightening the leg
● Tenderness behind the lower part of the kneecap
Diagnosis
● Physical exam performed by a primary care physician or general practitioner
● X-rays
● Ultrasound
Treatment
● Stop activity that is the cause of the problem until the injury heals
● NSAIDs (Ibuprofen or Naproxen)
● Rest
● Elevation of the injured knee and ice for 20 to 30 minutes at least 2- 3 times per day
● Physical therapy to stretch and straighten the knee and the muscles attached to the knee
● Surgery only as a last resort
References
Hyman, G., & Malanga, G. (2019). Jumper’s Knee. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/89569-overview
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022). Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/patellar-tendonitis-jumpers-knee#:~:text=Jumper’s%20knee%2C%20also%20known%20as,to%20tears%20in%20your%20tendon
Rumruay. (2022). [Illustration]. Patella pain cap knee tear Torn injury Swelling bone leg exercise muscle
jumper’s runner’s bursitis tendon tibia Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL sport femur painful it band
rupture Trauma joint cyst. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/patella-pain-cap-knee-tear-torn-1997940662
Santana, J.A., Mabrouk, A., & Sherman, A.l. Jumpers Knee. (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532969/