ORTHOPEDICS/HIP & KNEE/KNEECAP (PATELLA) DISORDERS
‘Jumper’s Knee’
Jumper’s Knee is a damaged tendon on the knee level.
The “Patellar” tendon is the tendon that connects the kneecap (the Patella) to the shinbone.
This tendon is part of the knee ‘Extensor mechanism’, and all together with the kneecap, quadriceps tendon, and the quadriceps muscle, allow the knee to straighten, and provide strength for kicking movement
A damage occurring to the patellar tendon due to an accident or shock, is called Jumper’s Knee.
Patellar Tendinitis, Tendinosis, and Tears
Patellar tendonitis is the disorder that occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated.
This problem appears frequently with sportspersons who perform recurrent jumping activities.
This is why patellar tendonitis is known by “jumper’s knee.”
On the other hand, Patellar tendinosis is different. It is a chronic disorder.
The difference between Patellar tendonitis and Patellar tendinosis is that with the first, the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, and in the second disorder, the damage is more steady in developing, and is characterized by microscopic tears and thickening of the tendon.
For this reason, the therapy of Patellar tendonitis is different from Patellar tendinosis.
Patellar Tendon Disorders/ Signs
Patellar tendonitis and tendinosis frequently cause pain straight over the patellar tendon.
Knowing that the tendon is generally tender and swollen, any movement of the knee may cause a chomping feeling (called Crepitus) straight over the swollen tendon.
Other common sign of patellar tendon difficulties is pain with activities, specifically jumping or kneeling.
X-ray and MRI tests are frequently performed and may be helpful to look for inflammation or partial tears within the tendon.
Patellar Tendon/Therapy
Therapy should be launched once your doctor confirms the appropriate diagnosis.
Usually therapy embraces the following:
Relaxation
Therapy first step is to avoid any activity that may aggravate the problem.
Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, and many others. All these medicines will lessen pain and inflammation.
Extending
Extending the quadriceps before resuming an activity is very important since it will help preventing a recurrence of the difficulty.
Ice Therapy
Icing the inflamed zone is important as well, because ice will help controlling the inflammation.
Braces or “Chopat strap” Support
Rarely, with Jumper knee a support strap called an infrapatellar strap (Chopat strap), or a knee brace are recommended.
When the disorder is chronic, the therapy regarding the inflammation is less probable to be helpful, therefore, therapy should focus on physical therapy that performs eccentric strengthening movements.