Jumpers knee
Jumper’s knee or the medical term patellar tendonitis is inflammation in the tendon that attaches the tibia (shin bone) to the patella (knee bone). The tendon generally gets inflamed in athletes, and less commonly in non-athletic individuals. The chronic inflammation in the tendon is due to the repeated motions of knee bending and landing on hard surfaces. The impact of running and jumping in a suboptimal human mechanical system puts additional strain on the tendon leading to inflammation and micro-tears.
Symptoms of jumper’s knee include swelling in a tendon area, pain on jumping, walking, or running, pain when bending or straightening leg, tender to touch. A physical therapist can diagnose jumpers knee through their clinical exam.
Treatment for jumpers knee may include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, ice. However, the most important treatment is found within a physiotherapist’s specific exercise prescription for the individual’s body. This exercise prescription is unique to the person’s movement strategies and aims to unload the tendon by strengthening and stretching surrounding muscles. Many times eccentric quadriceps exercises are prescribed.
It is advised for patients to reduce their athletic involvement while symptoms are acute and inflammation is active. A physical therapist can help guide appropriate activity levels throughout the rehab process
