What is Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)?

What Causes Patellar Tendinopathy?

Jumping and sudden stops place high tension on the kneecap tendon. A rapid increase in training load, training on hard surfaces and tight thigh and calf muscles lead to an accumulation of small tendon injuries. Volleyball, basketball, jumping events in athletics and football are the most common sports.

Symptoms

• Localised pain at the lower tip of the kneecap
• Pain first after training, later also during training
• Pain increasing with jumping, squatting and climbing stairs
• Knee stiffness after sitting for a long time

Frequently Asked Questions

Does jumper's knee go away with rest?

Complete rest relieves pain temporarily but does not make the tendon stronger. Treatment is based on isometric and eccentric strengthening adjusted to pain and on restructuring training load. Shockwave therapy and regenerative injections such as PRP are considered for persistent cases.