Presentation of Jumper's Knee (Patella Tendinopathy)

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Jumper's Knee is a common presentation we see at our Marrickville physio & chiro clinic. We are an allied health clinic located in the Inner West of Sydney. Keep reading to find out more about this condition.

"I have pain under my knee cap. It hurts at the beginning of my exercise but if I push through it seems to warm up... Sometimes it hurts more after my exercise session or the next day. What's causing my pain?"

What is Jumper's Knee?

Patellar tendinopathy, aka Jumper’s Knee is an overuse injury which causes pain and tenderness at the front of the knee. It occurs commonly in young males (15 - 30yo) involved in jumping sports such as basketball, volleyball, athletic jump events, football and tennis. It does not present as commonly in the older population, cyclists, swimmers or people engaging in low-load activities.

The pain occurs on the tendon just below the kneecap that attaches the quadriceps muscle onto the shin. Pain at the mid-portion of the tendon would only occur if there has been a direct blow to the mid tendon. The pain also tends to be localised to the one area only, rather than affecting a large area of the leg.

Signs & Symptoms of Runner's Knee

Individuals who have had patellar tendinopathy for a while may usually have a loss of quad and calf bulk. In more severe cases, this will be more obvious in the lateral quadriceps, medial gastrocnemius, hamstrings and adductor magnus muscles. The tendon may also be more tender and thicker than the other side.

The pain also tends to be aggravated by activities such as:

• Jumping
• Changing direction
• Deceleration

Treatment for Patellar Tendinopathy

Treatment for patellar tendinopathy involves specific strengthening of the tendon, load modification based on each individual's physical activity and correcting biomechanical dysfunctions that commonly refer from a region outside of the knee. These include soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, as well as rehabilitation aimed at correcting the lower limb kinetic chain. Our Physio & Chiro at our Marrickville Hyper Health clinic are experienced in assessing and treating this conditions like these. If you have any further questions about how we can help your knee pain, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.

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