Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee is a sports-related injury classified as patellar tendinopathy. It’s caused by repeated stress on the patellar tendon, which leads to inflammation, degeneration, or tears.

While it often starts as a dull ache in the knee, it can progress to significant swelling and sharp, painful knee symptoms during activities like climbing stairs, running, or performing a single leg mini squat.

But this condition is more than just knee pain—it’s a clinical diagnosis that requires professional assessment to rule out other knee injuries like patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the need for more invasive interventions, like surgery.

Risk Factors and Major Contributing Factors

Jumper’s knee is not limited to professional athletes. Anyone who engages in repetitive jumping, running, or other knee-intensive movements is at risk. Common risk factors include:

Key symptoms of jumper’s knee include:

• Pain in the patellar tendon during physical activity, especially in jumping sports.

• Swelling around the patellar tendon or knee cap.

• A dull ache that worsens with climbing stairs or other knee movements.

• Weakness in the lower leg and difficulty performing actions like a single leg chair squat.

To diagnose jumper’s knee, healthcare providers rely on a clinical diagnosis process. This includes reviewing activity history, identifying symptoms, and assessing knee movements.

Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to confirm tendon damage or rule out other conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Jumper’s knee develops due to repeated stress on the patellar tendon, leading to small tears that don’t heal properly without intervention. Key causes include:

• Frequent jumping: A common factor in sports injuries, repeated jumping in sports like basketball or high jump places excessive strain on the patellar tendon.

• Overuse of the knee joint: High training loads or participation in impact sports cause continuous stress on the knee.

• Biomechanical imbalances: Conditions such as flat feet or misalignment in the shin bone create abnormal stress on the patellar tendon.

This repetitive strain reduces blood flow to the tendon, preventing healing and potentially leading to chronic patellar tendinopathy or patellar tendon tear.

Initial Care and Conservative Management

Managing jumper’s knee starts with addressing the stress on the patellar tendon and promoting healing. The following methods are commonly recommended:

R.I.C.E. Protocol

• Rest: Avoid repetitive jumping and other aggravating activities to reduce stress on the tendon.

• Ice: Apply ice to the painful knee for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.

• Compression: Wrap the knee with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide support to the joint.

• Elevation: Keep the affected knee raised above heart level to improve blood flow and minimise swelling.

Physical Therapy

Stretching and eccentric exercises (e.g., single leg mini squats) strengthen the tendon and surrounding muscles.

Strengthening exercises target the thigh muscle and lower leg muscles, helping to restore normal foot biomechanics.

Advanced Treatments and Interventions

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves to promote tendon healing, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. It is especially effective for chronic jumper’s knee.

Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT)

EMTT uses electromagnetic fields to enhance cellular repair and reduce inflammation in the patellar tendon. It is an effective option for patients with persistent symptoms.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses low-intensity light to accelerate healing in the patellar tendon, reducing pain and inflammation.
 
It promotes tissue regeneration and collagen production, aiding recovery and improving mobility in chronic jumper’s knee cases.
 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood into the affected tendon.
 
These platelets release growth factors that accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, offering a natural and effective option for chronic cases.
 

Prescribed Orthotics

Custom-made shoe inserts help correct flat feet or other imbalances that increase stress on the patellar tendon.
 

Surgical Treatment

Although rare, surgery may be needed for severe cases involving patellar tendon tear or chronic patellar tendinopathy.

The goal of surgical intervention is to repair the damage and restore proper tendon function.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Delaying care can lead to further complications, including patellar tendon tear or chronic issues requiring more invasive treatment. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain despite rest.

• Significant swelling or difficulty with basic knee movements like climbing stairs.

• Inability to play sports or perform daily activities.

Podiatrists or sports med specialists can diagnose jumper’s knee through physical exams, imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and assessing sports-related injury history.

Jump Back into Action with Dr. Foot

Jumper’s knee is a common sports-related injury, but it doesn’t have to sideline you indefinitely.

Dr. Foot is here to help you bounce back. Our skilled specialists will carefully evaluate your condition to pinpoint the cause of your pain and provide a clear path to recovery.

We focus on creating personalised care plans that not only ease your pain, but also strengthen and protect your knees for the future.

Protect your knees and ensure mobility and comfort for years to come.

Contact us today and take the first step toward healthier, stronger knees!