What is Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinitis)?
WHAT IS JUMPER'S KNEE?
With jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis), the quadriceps tendon/ligament structure gets inflamed and irritated. Overloading the tissues, repetitive strain, and increased stress on the structures leads to pain.
It is more common in younger, athletic populations, especially in sports that involve a lot of jumping and explosive movements.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE PATELLAR TENDINITIS?
The most common symptoms are localized pain at the inferior patellar pole (just below the knee cap) with increasing load on those tissues. Certain activities such as prolonged sitting, squatting, and stairs can aggravate symptoms, but they aren’t characteristic of patellar tendinitis.
You typically only experience the pain during or after activity.
You might be able to touch or feel the pain just below the knee cap.
HOW TO TREAT JUMPER'S KNEE
Your physiotherapist can guide you through rehabilitation of your patellar tendinitis.
They will first assess to rule out the back and hips as the source of pain. They will help you identify the root of the problem – whether it is your biomechanics, weakness, inflexibility, or a combination of several factors – in order to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
In some cases, certain modalities like Shockwave can aid in the healing process if more conservative treatments aren’t working.
Interested in learning more?
Read on in our series of articles on Muskuloskeletal Conditions!
About the Author - Sonia Gashgarian
Sonia Gashgarian is a registered physiotherapist who graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Honours from the University of Waterloo. Sonia has completed courses in sports taping and basic kinesio-taping, as well as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Mulligan Concept. She also has her APTEI Acupuncture and Dry Needling Certification.
Sonia uses a variety of treatment techniques to help clients feel better and return to their regular activities as soon as possible. Her individualized treatments may include the following: education, joint mobilizations, exercise prescription, soft tissue release, trigger point release, taping, acupuncture and dry needling, cupping, and Gua Sha.
To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.