Jumper’s Knee, medically known as patellar tendinopathy or patellar tendonitis, is a condition commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve frequent jumping, running, or sudden movements—like basketball, volleyball, and track events. Despite its athletic nickname, it can also affect non-athletes who overuse the knee joint during work or exercise.
What Causes Jumper’s Knee?
At the core of Jumper’s Knee is inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays a crucial role in straightening the leg, jumping, and running. Repetitive strain on the tendon leads to microscopic tears, which over time may cause pain, stiffness, and dysfunction if not properly managed.
Common contributing factors include:
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Sudden increase in training intensity
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Poor leg muscle flexibility or strength imbalance
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Inadequate warm-up or stretching
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Improper footwear or playing surfaces
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Biomechanical issues like flat feet or improper knee alignment
Symptoms to Watch For
Jumper’s Knee typically starts with pain just below the kneecap, especially during or after physical activity. Initially, the pain may seem mild and only appear after exercise. However, if left untreated, the condition can progress and start affecting daily activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or even walking.
Common symptoms include:
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Localized tenderness over the patellar tendon
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Swelling or thickening in the tendon area
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Stiffness in the knee after rest or in the morning
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Weakness or reduced strength in the affected leg
Diagnosis
Dr. Gautam Arora at NPMC performs a thorough physical examination, often followed by imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent of tendon damage and rule out other knee issues. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Treatment Options
The treatment for Jumper’s Knee focuses on reducing pain, promoting healing, and restoring function.
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Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid high-impact activities to allow the tendon to heal.
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Physical Therapy: Specific exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles while improving flexibility.
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Ice and Anti-inflammatories: Help reduce pain and swelling in the early stages.
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Bracing or Taping: Can relieve strain on the tendon during activity.
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Regenerative Injections: At NPMC, therapies such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or prolotherapy may be used to stimulate healing in more stubborn cases.
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Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive option to improve tendon healing.
In severe or non-responsive cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be considered.
Get the Right Help Early
Ignoring knee pain can worsen Jumper’s Knee and even lead to permanent damage. At the Neurology and Pain Management Clinic in Delhi, Dr. Gautam Arora provides specialised, patient-centred care to manage sports injuries like patellar tendonitis effectively. Whether you’re an athlete or someone dealing with repetitive strain, early intervention can make all the difference in your recovery journey. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
