What is Jumper’s Knee?

A very common injury that athletes sustain is patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee. It starts as a pain in the knee that may only be during more intense workouts, but eventually it works into your everyday movements. It is important to listen to your body so that problems can be treated before they become worse.

What is Patellar Tendonitis?

Patellar Tendonitis is the inflammation or injury of the tendon that connects the knee cap (patellar) to the shin (tibia). It is usually caused by overuse, which is why jumpers (and jumpy children) may experience this injury. People who run track and field or play running sports such as football and basketball often have these issues. While it starts as discomfort, the inflammation and pain can get worse and worse if not given time to heal.

Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis

The first thing to do when you experience knee pain is to rest.  Do not play through pain. It is important to let the tendon heal when pain is present. Icing the knee is a good way to force yourself to slow down and reduce swelling. If the pain persists or worsens, see a doctor. They may prescribe platelet rich plasma injections to reduce pain, and physical therapy may be needed to return range of motion. You may hurt other parts of your leg by changing the ay you move to accommodate a hurt knee.

We all want to do it all, but pain is not something we should get used to. See a doctor if you experience knee pain. And physical therapists can teach you to move properly to avoid injury in the future.

Posted on behalf of:
Advanced Healing Institute
22972 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA, 92630
(949) 239-3206

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