Jumper's Knee (Diagnosis)

Anterior Knee pain caused by inflammation to the bottom portion(inferior pole) of the knee cap where the patellar tendon attaches to it. Called patellar tendonitis. Pain is confirmed through palpating the inferior pole. Symptoms occur with excessive loads corresponding with a lack of strength and endurance in the quadriceps muscle. Eccentric loads caused at the point of the jump and the landing on the jump hence the name"jumper's knee". Symptoms occur during the first part of the activity and may subside during the length of the activity but will return after the activity possibly peaking in pain and stiffness in the morning.

Jumper's Knee (Treatment)

Treatment would start with rest than proceed to using ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and flexibility exercises to the quadriceps and hamstrings. Seeking medical advice and seeing a physical therapist will help develop the proper treatment approach. Once the pain levels decrease, begin the strengthening phase by working on eccentric loading of the quadriceps in a progressive nature using weight bearing exercises. Double leg exercises to start - leg press, and squats progressing to single leg step downs, lunges, and single leg squats. Improvements in core strengthening is very important .