JUMPER’S KNEE

Jumper’s knee is an anterior knee pain affecting the teno-osseous junction of the quadriceps tendon where it is attached to the superior pole of the patella, and the patellar tendon where it is attached to the inferior pole of the patella and the tibial tuberosity.

Causes of jumper’s knee

The injury is often described as patellar or quadriceps tendinitis, although these conditions represent an inflammation of the tendon itself rather than isolated damage to the  teno-osseous junction. Jumper’s knee occurs more frequently in athletes who regularly impose rapid eccentric loading(fraction) on the extensor mechanism of the knee, especially on hard surfaces.

Epidemiology

 The condition affects the inferior pole of the patella in 80% of cases and is most common at this site in athletes over 40 years of age. The insertion of quadriceps is more commonly affected in the over 40s,and the tibial tuberosity is the most common sight for jumper’s knee in children (David,1989).Local tenderness present, in long standing cases quadriceps wasting found. Some swelling is present around the patellar tendon in acute cases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis) can vary in intensity but generally include:

Pain: Typically localized just below the kneecap. It often starts as a dull ache and can become sharper with activity.

Tenderness: The area just below the kneecap may feel tender to the touch.

Swelling: Mild swelling might be present around the tendon.

Stiffness: The knee might feel stiff, especially after sitting for long periods or after activity.

Pain with Activity: Activities that involve jumping, running, or kneeling can exacerbate the pain.

Reduced Range of Motion: In some cases, you might experience limited movement in the knee.

Physiotherapy Management

 Physiotherapy is a key component in treating jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis) and helps address the underlying causes of the condition, promoting recovery and preventing recurrence. Here’s a general overview of what physiotherapy treatment might involve:

Pain Management:

• Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the knee can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: This can help reduce pain and promote healing by using sound waves to penetrate deep tissues.

Rest and Activity Modification:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as jumping or running.
  • Activity Modification: Altering your exercise routine to include low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises:

• Quadriceps Stretching: To alleviate tightness in the front thigh muscles.
  • Hamstring Stretching: To ensure balanced muscle flexibility around the knee.

Strengthening Exercises:

• Quadriceps Strengthening: Exercises like straight-leg raises or mini squats can strengthen the quadriceps, which support the patella.
  • Hip Strengthening: Exercises targeting the hip abductors and external rotators can improve overall lower limb mechanics and reduce stress on the knee.
  • Core Strengthening: A strong core can help improve overall posture and reduce strain on the knees.

Patellar Tendon Exercises:

• Eccentric Exercises: These involve lengthening the muscle under tension. For the patellar tendon, this might involve slow, controlled squats or step-downs to strengthen the tendon and surrounding muscles.

Manual Therapy:

• Massage: Can help reduce muscle tightness and improve blood flow.
  • Joint Mobilization: Gentle techniques to improve knee joint movement and reduce stiffness.

Biomechanical Assessment and Correction:

• Gait Analysis: To identify and correct any issues with how you walk or run.
  • Footwear Advice: Proper footwear or orthotics might be recommended to improve alignment and reduce stress on the knee.

Education and Prevention:

• Activity Modification: Teaching how to modify or adapt activities to prevent overuse.
  • Proper Technique: Instruction on proper technique for sports or exercises to reduce stress on the knee.