Jumping knee: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of patellar tendinopathy

By Cristiano Antonino On May 24, 2023

Patellar tendinopathy, commonly referred to as ‘jumping knee’, is an injury to the tendon that connects the patella to the tibia

Particularly harmful to athletes, it is caused by the stress of repeated jumping, which eventually damages the patellar tendon.

If the body is unable to heal the micro-trauma, pain ensues and the athlete must stop.

The intensity of training and the type of surface the athlete lands on can also play a role in the development of tendinopathy; a hard surface increases the risk of this condition.

Symptoms of patellar tendinopathy

Pain is commonly associated with the jumper’s knee.

When performing movements that involve knee extension, such as jumping and kicking, discomfort may be experienced that may increase during physical activity.

Pain can also occur outside of gyms and on hardwood floors and can affect daily activities, such as climbing stairs.

Patellar tendinopathy: remedies

If pain occurs, it is advisable to stop the physical activity that caused it and apply ice to the affected area.

Taking an analgesic medication can help relieve the symptoms, but physiotherapy is essential.

Stretching with exercises that involve lowering the leg after knee extension is also very important.

The recovery time depends on the effectiveness of stretching and physiotherapy, as well as the degree of tendon distress.

If the injuries are not particularly severe, rest and physiotherapy will shorten recovery time.

In the meantime, alternative forms of exercise can be practised, such as cycling or swimming, which do not require jumping and are beneficial for muscle health.

If the specialist deems it necessary, physical treatments, such as echo-guided focal shockwave therapy, can be opted for.

If these methods are unsuccessful, surgery may be an option.

Surgery in the case of patellar tendinopathy requires making small cuts in the affected tendon, removing the pathological tissue and possibly also associating biological therapies to facilitate the healing process.

Preventing jumping knee with stretching

Stretching is an important factor in preventing patellar tendinopathy.

Strong leg muscles can help support the knee from excessive force, and the right shoes can also contribute to this.

Taking breaks between training sessions is another effective strategy for prevention, especially for amateur athletes who have more leeway to manage their activity.

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