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Symptoms of Jumper's Knee
Pain in the anterior knee, especially near the attachment of the patellar tendon to the lower border of the patella. In the early stages, symptoms may occur only at the beginning of intense training sessions or after exercise cessation. As the condition progresses without treatment, symptoms worsen, eventually causing pain during daily activities such as climbing stairs, descending stairs, or sitting on a chair.
When to See a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor if the pain persists and basic treatment, such as rest or icing the knee, does not yield desired results.
Causes of Jumper's Knee
Jumper's knee is often caused by repetitive microtrauma—small injuries to the patellar tendon that disrupt its internal structure and reduce its strength. This leads to progressive tendon degeneration. People at greater risk include those with reduced muscle strength and endurance, obesity, or prior injuries that were not fully rehabilitated and who engage in overly intense sports. Proper muscle balance is critical, as it ensures correct movement patterns. Any imbalance increases the risk of injury.
Diagnosis of Jumper's Knee
The diagnosis of patellar tendon injury, known as jumper's knee, typically involves ultrasound imaging (US). In ambiguous cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be utilized for a clear diagnosis.
Treatment Options
There are three primary treatment options:
- Conservative Treatment
The first and most important option involves a structured rehabilitation protocol. A physiotherapist designs a program focusing on eccentric exercises, muscle strengthening, and restoring proper muscle balance.
Shockwave therapy is sometimes used as part of this approach.
- Injections
For more advanced cases, injections near the injured tendon may be administered. These include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate, or sometimes hyaluronic acid.
Surgical Treatment
- Surgery
In cases where conservative treatments fail, especially in advanced or chronic injuries, surgery may be required. This often involves knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure. The surgery addresses internal knee damage and removes the damaged portion of the patellar tendon through a small incision. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential, with a return to full functionality and sports typically taking 3 to 6 months.
Prevention of Jumper's Knee
To avoid advanced stages of this condition:
- Always perform a proper warm-up before physical activity.
- Choose appropriate footwear that reduces the risk of developing jumper's knee.
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