Jumpers Knee
Jumper’s knee (also known as patellar tendinopathy) is one of the most misunderstood knee conditions... And unfortunately, outdated advice like “just rest it” or “stretch more” keeps people stuck in pain for months… sometimes years - Oliver Docker
image by: Jessica Hearn on Unsplash
HWN Suggests
Jumper’s Knee Is Not Just an Athlete’s Issue
It gets its name because it’s common in sports that involve explosive leg extension, in which the tendon has to lengthen while bearing force. Over time, that repetitive load can produce microtears and degeneration. But the name is misleading. Patellar tendinopathy can (and very often does) develop in people who never set foot on a court. Occupations involving repetitive motions that compress and put tension on the patellar tendon – floor installers, electricians, HVAC workers, plumbers, gardeners, carpenters – are common culprits. Anatomical differences are also a contributing factor – wide Q-angle (the angle between the hip and knee), maltracking of the patella, or a patella that sits…
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Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy): Physiotherapy Treatment Plan That Works
Jumper’s knee (also known as patellar tendinopathy) is one of the most misunderstood knee conditions we see in the clinic. And unfortunately, outdated advice like “just rest it” or “stretch more” keeps people stuck in pain for months… sometimes years. The good news? When treated properly, outcomes are excellent.
Patella Tendinopathy & the 4-stage management program for 'Jumper's knee'
Isometric exercises have been proven to provide immediate pain relief in patella tendinopathy.
Articles of Interest
Conservative Treatments for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Review of Recent High-Quality Evidence
While all tendons in the human body are subjected to injury and overuse, patellar tendinopathy (PT), also known as jumper’s knee, is one of the most common lower limb tendinopathies. It is an overuse injury of the patellar tendon and reflects in anterior knee pain. Pain occurs at the proximal attachment of the patellar tendon at the patellar apex. PT is very common among active young individuals aged between 15 and 30 years, often among basketball, volleyball, and soccer players...
Jumper’s Knee vs. Runner’s Knee
“Runner’s knee” is the common name for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This syndrome is caused by pain from abnormal contact and movement patterns of the patella (kneecap) on the femur (thigh bone), causing pain in front or beneath the kneecap. Runner’s knee can be caused by any number of underlying factors...
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly referred to as jumper’s knee, is a frequent cause of anterior knee pain in athletes exposed to repetitive high-load jumping and running activities. The condition is characterized by localized tenderness at the patellar tendon and activity-related pain that worsens with loading of the knee extensors. Patellar tendinopathy develops from cumulative microtrauma and small tendon tears associated with repetitive eccentric quadriceps loading.
Patellar Tendonitis & Jumper’s Knee: The Ultimate Guide
The best way to reduce pain from an overused patellar tendon is to release as much tension as possible from your leg muscles. Stretching may be the first thing on your mind in that regard, but for maximum effect, you need to combine stretching with self-massage.
Recovering from Jumper's Knee
In order to decide upon an appropriate course of treatment for students diagnosed with jumper’s knee, you must look at individual dancers to discern the specific conditions that created the overuse strain in the patellar tendon. The three most common culprits are a growth spurt, lack of flexibility and muscular imbalances.
Treating And Preventing Patellar Tendinitis (Or “Jumper’s Knee”)
Stretch your quads and hamstrings. Inflexible quadriceps and hamstrings can put extra stress on the patellar tendon. Basic, disciplined stretches of both muscles can help prevent tendinitis and help heal it.
Resources
FitToPlay.org
In technical language, jumper's knee is also known as patellar tendinitis, patellar tendinosis, or patellar tendinopathy (painful tendon).
NCSF Personal Trainer Blog
Unfortunately, the full process of rehab and recovery can be relatively long for jumper’s knee; lasting up to a year among those prone to the issue. Ceasing the actions that caused the problem is step one.
