Jumper’s knee – knee overload

Everyone knows that sport is health! However, not everyone knows that each sport has its own characteristic disease entities. If we do not train carefully, our body may be overloaded. Today we are talking about the so-called jumper’s knee, which most often bothers athletes, basketball players and volleyball players.

Do you have a pain in your knee? I invite you to read!

Jumper’s knee is the colloquial name for patellar ligament enthesopathy. The kneecap proper ligament connects the kneecap to the tibia. This condition is included in the group of overload-degenerative diseases, which most often affects the place where the ligament joins the kneecap. Numerous microtraumas cause tissue degeneration at this point, which may eventually lead to complete ligament rupture.

so Who is affected by jumper’s knee?

Patellar ligament tendinopathy most often affects people practicing sports that require jumps followed by landing on the feet. These sports include, among others volleyball, basketball, handball etc. On landing they suffer microtrauma within the ligament. The development of enthesopathy is fostered by incorrect positioning of the kneecap, ligamentous instability (increased mobility of the knee joint), overweight, poor landing technique or disturbed foot functions, e.g. flat feet.

What are the symptoms?

The most characteristic symptom of a jumper’s knee is stabbing pain at the front of the knee, under the kneecap, which increases in intensity when jumping up or down stairs. The pain worsens over time. Gradually, limitation of the mobility of the joint may appear and there may be swelling in the infrapatellar area. There may also be a feeling of instability in the knee.

DO YOU NEED A MEDICAL OR PHYSIOTHERAPY CONSULTATION?

Absolutely! Thanks to a thorough interview and appropriate examination, the doctor or physiotherapist will be able to properly diagnose your condition. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, can also be helpful.

HOW TO CURE JUMPER’S KNEE?

Initially, there are practices aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. In the next stages, eccentric exercises and stretching exercises are used. Various forms of physical therapy can be used, such as percutaneous electrolysis or shock waves. The treatment period may last from 3 to 6 months, and it all depends on the place and degree of damage.

Remember!
The sooner you deal with the problem, the faster you get rid of it!
Because joint problems and pains usually do not go away by themselves ...