Jumper’s Knee  Treatment in New Jersey

Patellar tendonitis, also known as Jumper’s Knee, is a painful condition that commonly affects high-level athletes, but can also affect people of any age and activity level, depending on the circumstances. The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone). When it becomes inflamed or irritated, often due to repetitive jumping or running, this is known as patellar tendonitis. The condition can range from mild to severe and may intensify over time if not properly addressed. Patellar tendonitis often responds well to conservative treatment options, but surgery may be warranted in more serious cases.

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your knee that worsens with physical activity, the cause may be patellar tendonitis. After reading the overview of the condition below, book an appointment with the exceptional team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey for a definitive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Patellar Tendonitis: Symptoms and Causes

Patellar tendonitis is usually caused by overuse of the knee joint, though it may also be exacerbated by chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, or kidney failure. Basketball and volleyball players, as well as runners, dancers, gymnasts, and other athletes who jump and run repeatedly on hard surfaces, are especially prone to be affected by the condition.

Other common risk factors for Jumper’s Knee include:

• Having tight thigh muscles
• Having muscle imbalances in the leg
• Suddenly increasing physical activity without proper training
• Being over the age of 40

The symptoms of patellar tendonitis may include one or more of the following:

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the knee
• Knee pain that worsens with physical activity (running, jumping, bending, or straightening the leg)
• Kneecap pain

The condition typically develops over a long period of time. Ongoing inflammation and irritation can eventually also lead to tearing of the patellar tendon.

Diagnosis and Differentiation

Many conditions can cause swelling and tenderness in the knee. This makes the proper distinction and diagnosis of patellar tendonitis vital. Only then can an appropriate and effective treatment plan be developed.

To diagnose Jumper’s Knee, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pain and range of motion. An X-ray may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of knee pain and, in severe cases, imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan may be used to provide further information about damaged tissue.

Treatment Strategies for Patellar Tendonitis

In many cases, patellar tendonitis responds well to non-surgical treatment options. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following as part of your treatment plan:

• Resting and elevating the affected patellar tendon until pain and swelling decrease
• Icing regularly to reduce inflammation
• Wearing a brace to immobilize and/or support the knee
• Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
• Receiving injection treatments
• Seeing a physical therapist for stretching and strengthening exercises

In more severe cases of Jumper’s Knee, surgical treatment may be advisable. A patellar tendon that has been partially or completely torn (often as the result of landing badly from a jump or changing direction quickly while running) can be surgically repaired to restore function and stability to the knee. In cases where tissue has become extensively damaged, a surgical procedure can remove it, leaving only healthy tissue behind. Surgery may also be recommended if patellar tendonitis is one of multiple injuries or issues affecting the knee and/or leg.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

The knee is a complex joint composed of four bones (the femur, tibia, fibula, and kneecap) as well as numerous ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. Movement of the knee joint is primarily produced by the quadriceps muscles (front thigh muscles) and hamstring tendons. Accordingly, many of the physical therapy exercises used in the treatment of patellar tendonitis focus on stretching and strengthening these structures.

Physical therapy exercises may be recommended to treat patellar tendonitis on their own or as part of preparation for or recovery from surgery. Receive a customized regimen of exercises from a Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey team member and/or a qualified physical therapist.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Preventative Care

Jumper’s Knee typically occurs as the result of repetitive trauma, such as running or jumping on a hard surface. With proper care and attention, you can implement preventative measures to reduce your likelihood of suffering from the condition. These may include:

• Consistent Stretching – Keeping your thighs and hamstrings loose and limber will reduce strain on your patellar tendons. For the best results, stretch both before and after physical activity.
• Proper Warm-Ups – Going from zero to one hundred without proper preparation may result in a wide variety of different injuries, including Jumper’s Knee. Always invest time in warming up the body slowly and properly before engaging in strenuous/high-impact physical activity.
• Reduce Impact – If possible, vary your workouts to include lower-impact activities, such as swimming, that will reduce constant pressure on the knee joint.
• Proper Equipment – No matter your sport, ensure that you use high-quality, properly fitting equipment that will reduce, rather than exacerbate, the potential for knee injuries.

Why Choose Modern Orthopaedics

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our leading team of world-class surgeons has diagnosed and treated numerous cases of patellar tendonitis. We understand how detrimental this type of injury can be to your performance as an athlete and are committed to offering innovative, proven, and personalized treatment options that will have you back to your peak performance level as quickly as possible.

Patient-centered care is at the heart of our practice at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey. When you work with our team, you can expect compassionate, thorough care that takes your individual situation, needs, and circumstances into account.

To receive a definitive diagnosis and embark on the shortest possible journey to resolving your knee pain, contact our office to book an appointment today! We look forward to working with you.