Jumper's Knee

Shockwave Therapy for Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee – also referred to as Patellar Tendonitis, Patellar Tendinosis or Patellar Tendinopathy – is a condition causing pain and stiffness at the front of the knee around the kneecap, due to overuse or injury to the patellar tendon.

What are the symptoms?

If you are suffering from Jumper’s knee you will be experiencing pain in the patellar tendon, which is the soft tissue located just below the kneecap. Pressing into this area is likely to replicate your pain. There may be associated redness and swelling in this area however this will not necessarily be the case.

It is likely that your pain increases when your knee is fully flexed or when kneeling and your knee may feel painful when jumping, squatting, or even just sitting.

How is it caused?

Short-term (one-off) Jumper’s knee injuries tend to be caused by sporting activities involving running or jumping, where an awkward landing has put undue strain into the area of the kneecap at the front of the knee.

Long-term problems however are more common and are linked to repetitive overuse – generally in sporting activities involving running or jumping. These problems are more likely to occur when there is an underlying weakness in the knee – possibly relating to a previous injury – or if there has been a relatively recent change or increase in activity.

How do we treat it?

It is generally best to address this problem as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage to the tendon, which may lead to longer-term complications.

Treatment for Jumper’s Knee problems in the short-term will aim to manage pain levels, regain flexibility of the knee and encourage the healing of the damaged tendon and other soft tissues as much as possible. This is likely to include hands-on treatment, ultrasound therapy, kinesio-taping, acupuncture and advice on exercises to encourage movement and gentle weight-bearing of the knee.

For longer-term problems the best treatment is likely to be a course of shockwave therapy, coupled with a guided exercise plan in order to facilitate the regeneration and strengthening of the tendon.

Want to know more?

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