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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.
Here are some exercises and
stretches you can do on your own to help prevent Jumper's Knee.
Stretches
& Exercises |
