JUMPERS KNEE

JUMPERS KNEE - Jumpers knee or patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury that results in pain at the front of the knee, localised at a point towards the bottom of the kneecap. Repetitive strain from too much running or jumping causes inflammation or degeneration of the patella tendon. Patellar tendonitis can be a tricky condition to treat and requires a substantial period of rest and a thorough treatment and rehabilitation program. In the most severe or persistent cases, surgery may be required. Jumper's knee also known as patellar tendonitis or patellar tendinopathy. It is an inflammation or injury of the patellar tendon, the cord-like tissue that joins the patella to the tibia. Jumper's knee is an overuse injury. Constant jumping, landing, and changing direction can cause strains, tears, and damage to the patellar tendon. Who regularly play sports that involve a lot of repetitive jumping — like track and field, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, running, and soccer can put a lot of strain on their knees. Jumper's knee can seem like a minor injury that isn't really that serious. Because of this, many athletes keep training and competing and tend to ignore the injury or attempt to treat it themselves. But it's important to know that jumper's knee is a serious condition that can get worse over time and ultimately require surgery. Early medical attention and treatment can help prevent continued damage to the knee.

Symptoms of jumpers knee consist of pain at the bottom front of the kneecap over what is called the lower pole of the patella. The bottom of the patella will be very tender when pressing in and may appear larger or thicker than the unaffected side. The athlete is likely to experience aching and stiffness after exercise and pain when contracting the quadriceps muscles in acute cases. In particular jumping activities are likely to cause most pain or discomfort.

The patella tendon, also known as the patella ligament joins the kneecap or patella to the shin bone or tibia. The large quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh pull on the kneecap producing huge forces through the patella tendon, especially when jumping. Jumpers knee is an overuse injury. With repeated strain, micro-tears as well as collagen degeneration may occur in the tendon. This is known as patellar tendinopathy or Jumpers Knee