Jumper’s knee – symptoms, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Are you experiencing knee pain and looking for its cause? After reading our article, you will learn what jumper’s knee is, how it manifests, and which methods are effective in its rehabilitation.
What is jumper’s knee and who does it affect?
Jumper’s knee is a patellar tendonopathy caused by repeated micro-injuries in the area where the quadriceps mechanism acts on the knee joint. As a result, the tendons become less resistant to strain, which can lead to pain around the patella and difficulty performing certain movements while walking.
This condition most commonly occurs in athletes who engage in sports that require jumping,such as:
● Basketball
● Volleyball
● Handball
● Soccer
● Athletics
Jumper’s knee often appears after intense training sessions or as a result of prolonged,repetitive physical effort that puts strain on the knee joint.
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Jumper's knee – What is worth knowing?
Jumper’s knee is a common condition that affects not only professional athletes but also amateurs. Find out what the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods are.
Bibliography:
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Dan M, Phillips A, Johnston RV, Harris IA, Surgery for patellar tendinopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 23;9(9):CD013034 doi10.1002/14651858.CD013034.pub2. PMID: 31546279; PMCID: PMC6756823
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Kannus P, Jozsa L, Histopathological changes preceding spontaneous ruptures of a tendon. A controlled study of 891 patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am1991:73:1507-25
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Fornaciari P, Kabelitz M, Fucentese SF. [Jumper’s Knee]. Praxis (Bern 1994) 2018 Apr;107(9-10):513-519
Jumper’s Knee and Physical Activity – What You Should Know
Physical activity has a significant impact on the health of the knee joints. People diagnosed with jumper's knee should be cautious not to excessively overload the knee, but they should not completely avoid using it either.
It is recommended to:
Reduce the intensity of running and jumping workouts and incorporate other training activities that put less strain on the knee joint, such as cycling and swimming.
Can Jumper’s Knee Be Completely Cured?
Jumper’s knee cannot be fully cured, but with a properly chosen treatment strategy, a well-planned rehabilitation program, and adherence to recommendations, it is possible to return to full function and perform activities without pain.
It is very important not to ignore symptoms, and if the first signs appear, seek medical attention. Remember that this is a process that requires time and consistency.
Facts About Jumper’s Knee Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a key element in treating jumper’s knee. It includes:
- Medical Training – Isometric exercises, eccentric exercises, Heavy Slow Resistance Training, and exercises specific to the movements involved
- Manual Therapy – Mobilizations, Tractions, Joint Manipulations
- Supporting Therapies – such as Game Ready, Shockwave Therapy, acupuncture, ultrasound therapy
Jumper’s knee is a common issue among athletes, but it can affect anyone who places excessive strain on their knee joints. With properly tailored treatment and rehabilitation, we can help you return to full function.
Don't wait – take care of your health with the best physiotherapy specialists at Fizjo Movement Center. Schedule a consultation with our specialist at 577 303 403.
Treatment of Jumper’s Knee – Effective Rehabilitation Methods
The rehabilitation of jumper’s knee depends on the severity of the changes in the tendon.
The most effective treatment methods are:
- Isometric Training – Used in the early stages of rehabilitation when pain is severe. Isometric training helps activate the quadriceps muscle without overloading the knee. This type of training reduces pain, improves joint stability, and prepares the muscles for further exertion.
- Eccentric Training – This is a key method in the rehabilitation of jumper’s knee. Eccentric training involves the controlled elongation of the muscle during exercise (e.g., during squats). Research shows that such exercises aid in recovery and reduce pain over the long term.
- Heavy Slow Resistance Training – This training focuses on heavy loads and slow movement. The goal is to strengthen the muscles and tendons, improving both strength and endurance.
- Dynamic Training – Introduced in the later stages of rehabilitation when the pain has subsided. Dynamic exercises help improve knee function and prepare it for the stresses it will experience during different sports activities.
- Plyometric Training – This training is introduced at the end of rehabilitation, after full strength and stability have been regained. It helps improve explosive strength, dynamics, and the ability to generate rapid movements.
Additionally, rehabilitation can be supported by:
- Shockwave Therapy – Shockwave therapy works as a pain reliever and supports regenerative processes. It is one of the most effective methods for treating chronic pain associated with jumper’s knee, especially when other methods fail to provide relief.
- Game Ready – This system combines compression and cooling, supporting the regenerative processes. It reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain, which accelerates the rehabilitation process.
Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee – How to Recognize Them?
The symptoms of jumper’s knee typically include:
● A stabbing pain around the patella that occurs during running, jumping, standing up (e.g., from a chair), or going down stairs
● Swelling, warmth, or changes in the skin color in the painful area
If the above symptoms are present, a quick test can help confirm the diagnosis:
Sit with your leg extended, apply pressure to the painful area, then bend your knee to about 90 degrees and apply pressure to the painful spot again. If the pain is more intense when the leg is straight, this could confirm jumper’s knee. It is advisable to perform an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
Myths about treating jumper’s knee – what is true?
There are many myths surrounding jumper’s knee that can mislead those affected by this issue. Below are some of them:
- MYTH: Jumper’s knee only affects athletes
- Fact: Jumper’s knee can affect anyone who places prolonged strain on their knee joints.
- MYTH: If the pain subsides after rest, it doesn’t require treatment
- Fact: Even if the pain is mild and goes away quickly, untreated jumper’s knee can lead to tendon rupture.
- MYTH: Using painkillers and supplements is enough to cure jumper’s knee
- Fact: While supplements can support tissue regeneration, without properly tailored rehabilitation, they are not enough to restore full function.
- MYTH: Injecting a steroid into the ligament will solve the jumper’s knee problem
- Fact: Steroid therapy may provide immediate short-term relief, but it will accelerate ligament degeneration, ultimately causing the problem to return with even greater intensity.
- MYTH: It’s enough to temporarily stop the activity to make the problem go away
- Fact: While regeneration is a crucial stage, one should not completely abandon physical activity. It is sufficient to properly plan training sessions to support the return to full function.
