Jumper's Knee Treatment
Jumping while playing sports requires the strength and function of the knees to propel you upward. The muscles and tendons in the knee must be well-conditioned to handle the strain of pushing upward and absorbing the shock of the landing. Jumper’s knee, or patellar tendonitis, is a condition that occurs when the patellar tendon is irritated, damaged or inflamed. Our physicians and sports medicine specialists at DOCS Health offer jumper’s knee treatment at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.
The patellar tendon attaches the patella (kneecap) to the tibia or shinbone. The movement of bending, jumping and landing is particularly hard on the patellar tendon. Overuse during sports can cause microtears and inflammation that result in patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee. This knee condition is very common and one of the most common causes of anterior, or front, knee pain. Other causes of patellar tendonitis include injury to the knee, misalignment in the knee structure and overexertion of the patellar tendon.
Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis
Anterior knee pain is the most common symptom of jumper’s knee. The pain is usually just below the kneecap and may be worse when running, jumping, climbing/descending stairs or kneeling. The area may also be tender to the touch, and there can be inflammation or swelling that is noticeable around the patellar tendon.
Jumper’s knee treatment begins with conservative methods. Placing ice on the knee, using anti-inflammatory medications and rest are what is first recommended. Using a knee brace can help offer support to the knee. Physical therapy may help strengthen the knee to put less strain on the patellar tendon. In severe cases, jumper’s knee leads to tears on the patellar tendon that could require surgical repair.
If you have anterior knee pain that is worse when exercising, you may have jumper’s knee. For the diagnosis and treatment of jumper’s knee, contact our sports medicine specialists at DOCS Health in Los Angeles.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.