Patellar tendinopathy and jumper's knee: managing pain from repetitive jumping sports

Patellar tendinopathy, commonly known as jumper’s knee, affects athletes involved in sports requiring repetitive jumping and landing.

It’s a frequent issue for those in activities like gymnastics, dancing, basketball, and volleyball.

This condition results from overuse of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, leading to pain and impaired performance.

What is patellar tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy occurs when the patellar tendon becomes irritated or damaged from repeated strain, causing pain just below the kneecap.

This is particularly common in sports where jumping and explosive leg movements are frequent.

Common causes:

• Overuse from repetitive jumping or landing
• Poor lower limb biomechanics or muscle imbalances
• A sudden increase in activity or training intensity
• Inadequate warm-up or recovery routines

Who is affected?

Jumper’s knee typically affects athletes aged 16 to 40 who participate in high-impact sports like gymnastics, dancing, and basketball.

The constant stress placed on the knee from jumping and landing can lead to micro-tears in the tendon, causing pain and inflammation.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Pain at the base of the kneecap
• Pain that worsens during or after activity
• Stiffness or tightness in the knee, especially after periods of rest
• Tenderness when pressing on the patellar tendon

Physiotherapy treatment for patellar tendinopathy

Physiotherapy is essential for managing patellar tendinopathy and preventing the condition from worsening.

Some common treatments include:

• Exercise therapy: Eccentric strengthening exercises are highly effective for managing this condition. These exercises help strengthen the tendon and reduce pain.
• Stretching and flexibility: Targeted stretching of the quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles can help relieve strain on the tendon and improve flexibility.
• Taping and bracing: Patellar straps and knee braces, available at our clinic, can offer additional support and reduce pain during activity.
• Manual therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage, dry needling, and joint mobilisation can help reduce tension in the knee and improve function.
• Load management: Gradually increasing activity and properly managing training load can help prevent further injury.

Prevention tips for athletes in jumping sports

• Warm up thoroughly before training or competitions.
• Focus on strengthening key muscle groups like the quads, hamstrings, and calves.
• Avoid sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Use proper footwear designed for high-impact sports.

When to seek help

If you notice persistent knee pain that worsens with activity, it’s important to seek help from a physiotherapist.

Early intervention can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

At our clinic, we offer a range of treatments, including patellar straps and knee braces, to support your recovery and get you back to your sport safely.

Nerissa D’Mello
Physiotherapist