Jumper's knee, or "patellar tendinitis" is an inflammation of the patellar tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. This tendon helps in extension of the lower leg.
Causes
- Patella rubbing against the femur
- strained tendons and irritation or softening of the cartilage that lines the underside of the kneecap.
- repetitive trauma or overuse, particularly from sports activities involving jumping such as basketball or volleyball. Rarely, this condition
- may also rarely occur because of an acute injury to the tendon that has not healed properly.
Diagnosis
The first symptom of Jumper's knee is pain over the patellar tendon. Pain during activities, especially jumping or kneeling may also be present. Swelling around the tendon may be rarely seen.
The condition is evaluated based on symptoms, physical examination, and X-ray. The X-ray may verify the presence of problems involving the bones or presence bone spur. An MRI scan can reveal degenerative changes in the patellar tendon.
Treatment
Treatment for Jumper's knee may include:
- Rest the injured knee and avoid activities such as running and jumping that worsen the condition
- Stretching out before exercising is important to prevent recurrence of patellar tendinitis. These exercises can also help strengthen the patellar tendon and nearby muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
- Application of ice to the affected area helps to control the inflammation and reduce the swelling
- A knee support or strap (called an intrapatellar strap or a Chopat strap) can be worn to relieve pain by directing the force away from your tendon and into the strap
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to provide relief from pain and swelling associated with patellar tendinitis
- A topical corticosteroid medication applied to the affected area through a small device that uses an electric charge to deliver the medication through your skin
- Corticosteroid injection: With the guidance of an ultrasound, corticosteroid injection may be given directly into the sheath around the affected patellar tendon.
- Surgery may be and option and involves removal of severely damaged parts of your tendon and repair of any tears in the tendon.