The knee joint is one of the most frequently injured areas in
the human body, especially for those involved in any type of
athletics. Classified as a hinge joint, the knee is much more
complicated than this description suggests. This joint is
heavily dependent on the soft tissue that surrounds it - muscles,
tendons, ligaments, capsule, and cartilage, which serve to
straighten, twist, and rotate the knee and leg.
Jumper's Knee is common among those who participate in jumping
sports such as volleyball and basketball. It is an
inflammation of the tendons that attach the quadriceps muscle above
and below the knee to the femur and tibia respectively. The
tendon above the knee is known as the quadriceps tendon and the one
below as the patellar tendon. In conjunction with the
quadriceps muscle, these tendons play an integral part in walking,
running, jumping, and climbing stairs.
Putting constant stress on the knee over time can cause micro tears
in the tendons causing pain and inflammation, which results in
swelling, loss of motion, and weakness. Patients most
commonly complain of pain with stair climbing, squatting, kneeling,
jumping, running, and walking. Ascending stairs is usually
more painful than descending stairs.
Treatment consists of immediate reduction of the inflammation
via cryotherapy (ice), medication, and rest. Physical therapy
should begin as soon as the pain has diminished. After a
thorough evaluation by a physical therapist, an appropriate
treatment specific to the injury will be implemented. A
skilled therapist will prescribe a program consisting of
modalities, manual techniques, and therapeutic exercises to control
pain, reduce inflammation, and increase strength, flexibility, and
muscle endurance of the injured area. Stretching and
strengthening the quadriceps muscle is the key to successful
rehabilitation of Jumper's Knee. Those individuals at risk
for developing Jumper's Knee can benefit from a preventive program
to help avoid this injury, as well as other common knee
problems.