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Jumper’s Knee Overview
Jumper's knee, or patellar tendinopathy, is an overuse injury affecting the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It typically causes pain just below the kneecap, especially during activities like jumping, running, or climbing stairs. Unlike traditional tendinitis, this condition stems from functional stress overload and microtrauma, leading to chronic pain and potential disability if untreated.
Causes of Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s knee is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon from activities like jumping, running, or rapid direction changes. This stress, particularly during the landing phase of jumping, can lead to microtears and tendon degeneration over time. Key risk factors include:
Frequent participation in high-impact sports (e.g., basketball, volleyball)
Sudden increases in training intensity without sufficient rest
Playing on hard surfaces
Muscle imbalances, poor landing mechanics, and foot alignment issues (e.g., flat feet)
Biomechanical problems such as leg length discrepancies and improper form can also increase injury risk, especially if accompanied by inadequate strength in the quadriceps or hamstrings.
Treatment Options
Treatment for jumper’s knee ranges from conservative approaches to surgery, depending on severity:
Conservative Treatments: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are common first steps. Eccentric exercises, which strengthen muscles while they lengthen, have proven highly effective in recovery.
Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment option that uses sound waves to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. ESWT has gained attention for reducing pain and improving tendon function by enhancing blood flow and triggering the body's natural healing processes. Unlike surgery, ESWT requires no downtime and is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Studies show it can be highly effective in treating chronic jumper knee cases, offering a powerful alternative to more invasive procedures.
If you’ve been struggling with patellar tendinopathy and haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, ESWT may be the breakthrough you need. Contact us to determine whether shockwave therapy is the right choice for your condition—it could be the key to getting you back to peak performance quickly and safely.
Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be required. Emerging therapies, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, are also being explored for their potential to enhance tendon repair.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing a jumper’s knee involves proper biomechanical care and training methods:
Warm-up: Begin with light aerobic activity and dynamic stretching to prepare muscles.
Stretching & Strengthening: Regular stretching of the quadriceps and hamstrings, alongside targeted strengthening exercises, can reduce stress on the patellar tendon.
Progressive Training: Gradually increase training intensity to avoid overloading the tendon.
Biomechanics: Correcting jumping and landing mechanics, possibly with a coach’s guidance, can help prevent unnecessary tendon strain. Wearing shock-absorbing footwear or using a patellar tendon strap can also reduce injury risk.
By incorporating these strategies into their routine and considering options like shockwave therapy for recovery, athletes can minimize the risk of developing jumper’s knee and maintain an active lifestyle.
Book your appointment now for an assessment and treatment plan to get you back on track.
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