Jumper’s knee (Patellar Tendonitis)
Rehab for the injury

Rehab 1 – Rehab 2
Focus on training the rest of the body, so you do not lose your current mobility, stability and strength. Then find out what you can do from workout programs and work out according to the level you have. Exercise of the rest of the body accelerates healing of your injury, among other things due to increased nerve activity and circuits.

Description of jumper’s knee

The lower part of the quadriceps tendon is called the patellar ligament and is located between the kneecap (patella) and the bone promenading below the knee (tuberositas tibiae). Jumper’s knee is inflammation of the patellar ligament and is localized at the indentation / back edge at the bottom of the kneecap (apex patellae). Jumper’s knee is a typical sports injury that affects athletes in jumping and throwing disciplines, badminton, volleyball and basketball players. The injury consists of microscopic tears of the tendon where it is attached to the apex patellae. The injury is rarely taken seriously in the acute stage, but if the athlete continues his stressful sport before the injury is healed, an inflammation occurs which results in prolonged and recurrent difficulty. In severe cases, the practitioner must completely stop his sports activity. If the quadriceps muscle is too tight, the condition can develop. Jumper’s knee is often times misdiagnosed as Osgood Schlatters syndrome which is another injury located at the bone protruding below the knee (tuberositas tibiae).

Symptoms of jumper’s knee
  • Pain under the apex patellae (inside the bottom of the kneecap), especially after exertion, for example from knee flexion with strain.
  • Pain, restlessness and stiffness after activity.
  • Pain when tightening the quadriceps muscle while the knee joint is loaded.
Examination
  • Analysis / Inspection / Palpation / ROM tested for visual and physical changes compared to opposite knee.
  • Palpation of patella ligaments.
  • Ely test (testing for tight quadriceps muscle / Rectus Femoris contracture).
  • X-ray examination of tissue, especially in cases of swelling of the area. Ultrasound examination of the tendon may also support the diagnosis.
Treatment of jumper’s knee
  • Rehab.
  • Active rest.
  • Loading to pain limit.
  • Taping or neopren bandage / knee supporter with velcro-lock.
  • Thermal / Cryo therapy.
  • Ultrasound (continuous / pulsating), 3 Mhz, 2 W cm2, tissue must get irritated.
  • NSAID gel Traumeel (2 tablets 3 g. daily for 9 days).
  • Massaging m. quadriceps.
  • Kinesiology tape.
  • K-Laser.

The doctor may give anti-inflammatory medicin, or apply cast, soft cast, etc. In long-term severe cases where no treatment has helped, the doctor may choose to do surgery to remove the altered parts of the tendon.

Rehab for the injury

Rehab 1 – Rehab 2