Jumper’s Knee
Find out more about jumper’s knee and how Torrance Pain Institute can help you manage your pain, improve your quality of life, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
What is jumper’s knee?
Jumper’s knee, also knows as patellar tendonitis is the inflammation of your patellar (knee) tendon. The patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shinbone and works with the muscles at the front of your thigh to extend your knee which enables you to kick, run, and jump.
Jumper’s knee is most common in athletes who play sports that involve frequent jumping and running such as basketball, volleyball, and track and field.
What causes jumper’s knee?
Jumper’s knee is caused by the overuse of the patellar tendon. Repeated stress on your patellar tendon results in tears that cause inflammation and weakening of the tendon.
What are the symptoms of jumper’s knee?
Pain between your kneecap is the first symptom of jumper’s knee. You may only feel pain when you are being active or after finishing an intense workout. Over time, the pain worsens and interferes with daily movements. Other symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around your patellar tendon
- Swelling
- Tenderness behind the kneecap
What is the treatment for jumper’s knee?
Your doctor may recommend the following to treat jumper’s knee:
- Follow the R.I-C.E method – This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You should feel pain relief by following these 4 steps.
- Medications – Pain relievers may provide you with short-term relief from jumper’s knee pain.
- Therapy – Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce symptoms associated with jumper’s knee.
If your pain doesn’t improve after following the methods mentioned above, you may consider a patellar tendon injection. This is the injection of steroid medication around the patellar tendon to relieve pain. Contact us at Torrance Pain Institute today if you want to learn more about this treatment!