What Is Jumper’s Knee?
Jumper’s knee, or patellar tendinitis, is a condition where the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone, becomes inflamed. This condition can cause pain and discomfort and can make it difficult to fully extend the lower leg.
Causes
Jumper’s knee, also known as patellar tendinitis, is typically caused by repetitive trauma or overuse, especially in sports that involve jumping, like basketball or volleyball. Due to this association with jumping activities, the condition has acquired the name “jumper’s knee.” In some cases, an acute injury to the tendon that has not healed properly can also lead to this condition.
Symptoms
Jumper’s knee, or patellar tendinitis, can cause a range of symptoms. The primary symptom is pain, which typically occurs at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. This pain may be dull and achy or sharp and intense, and it may be worse when you bend or straighten your knee, or when you jump or run.
Other symptoms may include tenderness or swelling around the patellar tendon, stiffness in the knee, and weakness in the leg. In severe cases, the tendon may become thickened or enlarged, and there may be a visible lump or bump on the knee.
Treatment Options For Jumper’s Knee
There are several treatment options available for jumper’s knee, or patellar tendinitis. First and foremost, it’s important to rest the injured knee and avoid activities like running and jumping that can worsen the condition. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to provide relief from pain and swelling associated with patellar tendinitis.
Stretching exercises can help strengthen the patellar tendon and nearby muscles, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, which can prevent the recurrence of patellar tendinitis. Applying ice to the affected area can help control inflammation and reduce swelling.
Knee supports or straps, such as intrapatellar or Chopat straps, can be worn to relieve pain by directing force away from the tendon and into the strap. Iontophoresis is a technique that involves the application of topical corticosteroid medication to the affected area using a small device that delivers the medication through the skin using an electric charge.
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the sheath around the affected patellar tendon under ultrasound guidance to relieve pain and allow for strength exercises without discomfort.