Do you experience pain under your kneecap during or after exercise? Does your knee feel stiff and swollen even during daily activities? If so, you might have jumper's knee, also known as jumper's knee. In this blog, you will read more about where the name jumper's knee comes from, how to prevent this injury and what treatment options are available.
How do you recognise a jumper's knee?
A jumper's knee results from problems at the attachment of the tendon to the underside of the kneecap. It often starts by acute overuse of the patellar tendon, causing micro tears. If your body is not given enough time to repair this damage before you return to exercise, microtears develop again. This leads to various pain symptoms at the bottom of the kneecap.
There are several symptoms by which you can recognise a jumper's knee. This injury can increasingly affect your daily activities. Therefore, it is important to know what signs might indicate that you are dealing with it.
Various symptoms:
- Pain/stiffness after exercise
- Pain during warm-up
- Pain during whole exertion
- Pain day after exertion in daily activities
- Pain on the side, inside or top of the knee
- The knee is swollen
Where does the name jumper's knee come from?
The name jumper's knee came about because this injury occurs mainly in athletes who do a lot of jumping or running during their activities. The impact of these movements puts considerable strain on the knee, which can lead to irritation or overuse of the patellar tendon with repeated use. This injury is common in sports such as volleyball or basketball, where the knee is used intensively. Because of this, the name jumper's knee has become an appropriate name.
What can you do yourself?
By taking back the load on your knee, you can prevent the injury from getting worse. Cooling your knee after exercise can provide relief. Wearing a patella band ensures that the pressure on the patellar tendon is reduced. Finally, sufficient rest is important for a quick and effective recovery.
Treatments for a jumper's knee
With the right exercise therapy, such as supervised training and strengthening the muscles around your knee, you can notice a marked improvement within three months. A professional approach is key here. Possible treatment methods include:
1. Rest and activity adjustment
Avoid activities that stress the knee. This usually means a temporary stop or modification of sport.
2. Exercise therapy
A physiotherapist can design a programme of stretching, muscle strengthening exercises and eccentric training (where the muscle is lengthened under load).
3. Cooling and pain relief
Cooling helps to reduce inflammation. In severe pain, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may be considered.
4. Shockwave therapy
This is a treatment that uses shock waves to stimulate tendon healing.
5. Surgery
In very severe cases, where other treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue.
Take good care of your knee and enjoy your sport again soon!
By taking timely action and taking good care of your knee, you can soon enjoy your sporting activities to the full again! You can contact with us by emailing info@friskfysio.nl or by calling our practice at 085-5000333.
