Summary about Disease
Jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy, is an overuse injury affecting the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It's characterized by pain and tenderness around the patella, particularly at the point where the tendon attaches to the kneecap. While common in athletes who participate in jumping sports (hence the name), it can also affect non-athletes due to repetitive knee stress. The condition develops gradually, starting with pain only after activity and progressing to pain during and even at rest in more severe cases.
Symptoms
Pain, usually between your kneecap and where the tendon attaches to your shinbone.
Pain that's initially activity-related (e.g., after sports, running, or jumping).
Pain that worsens with activity over time.
Tenderness to the touch over the patellar tendon.
Stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning.
Weakness in the quadriceps muscles.
In severe cases, pain may be present during everyday activities or even at rest.
Causes
Repetitive stress: Repeated jumping or running puts stress on the patellar tendon.
Overuse: Training too hard or too frequently without adequate rest.
Muscle imbalances: Weak quadriceps or tight hamstrings can increase stress on the tendon.
Poor technique: Incorrect jumping or landing techniques.
Hard playing surfaces: Can increase impact on the knees.
Inadequate warm-up: Not properly preparing muscles before exercise.
Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on the knee joint.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger prescription pain relievers may be necessary.
Corticosteroid injections: Injected into the tendon sheath (not the tendon itself) to reduce inflammation. These are used sparingly due to potential long-term tendon weakening.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections: Injected into the tendon to promote healing.
Other injections: Polidocanol, Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the tendon to promote healing and reduce pain.
Is Communicable
Jumper's knee is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Proper warm-up and stretching: Always warm up muscles before exercise and stretch afterward, focusing on quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
Gradual increase in activity: Avoid increasing training intensity or duration too quickly.
Correct technique: Learn and practice proper jumping and landing techniques.
Strengthening exercises: Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles to improve stability and reduce stress on the knee.
Appropriate footwear: Wear supportive athletic shoes that fit well.
Listen to your body: Stop activity if you experience pain.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint.
Rest and recovery: Allow adequate rest between workouts.
How long does an outbreak last?
There isn't an "outbreak" of jumper's knee. The duration of symptoms varies greatly. With proper rest, treatment, and rehabilitation, symptoms can resolve within a few weeks to several months. However, if left untreated or if aggravating activities are continued, the condition can become chronic and last for years.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: A doctor will examine your knee, assess your range of motion, and palpate the patellar tendon for tenderness.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any previous knee injuries.
Imaging tests:
X-rays: Can rule out other causes of knee pain, such as fractures.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Can show detailed images of the patellar tendon and surrounding tissues, helping to identify inflammation, tears, or other abnormalities.
Ultrasound: Can visualize the patellar tendon and identify thickening or other changes.
Timeline of Symptoms
The development of jumper's knee symptoms is typically gradual:
Early stages: Pain only after activity, such as sports or exercise.
Intermediate stages: Pain during activity that may limit performance.
Later stages: Pain during and after activity, and sometimes even at rest. The pain may become constant and debilitating.
Important Considerations
Early intervention is key: Seeking treatment early can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Complete rehabilitation is crucial: Following a structured rehabilitation program is essential for a full recovery and to prevent recurrence.
Addressing contributing factors: Identifying and addressing underlying factors such as muscle imbalances, poor technique, or inadequate warm-up is important for long-term management.
Recurrence is common: Even with proper treatment, jumper's knee can recur, especially if predisposing factors are not addressed.
Surgery is rare: Surgery is generally only considered if conservative treatments fail after a significant period.