Jumpers Knee is the phrase commonly used to describe tendon inflammation at the front of the knee in an athlete who takes part in jump related sports.
Basketball, volleyball and long or high jump are the sports where jumpers knee is most common but in fact, nowadays, the problem can arise in anyone who trains or plays their sport indoors on a hard surface.
For Jumpers Knee treatment in or near Edinburgh, Scotland you can make an appointment to see Doctor Cameron - follow the Consultations link for more details.
Knee tendon problems can take a long time to heal properly. The infrapatellar tendon - meaning tendon below the knee cap - is vulnerable to a low blood supply and this can cause significant problems, particularly in those over the age of thirty five.
Symptoms of jumpers knee include pain felt at the front of the knee below the knee cap. This anterior knee pain can sometimes be dull and achey - or it can occur in sharp shooting stabs related to movements.
If you develop this condition then please see a sports medicine specialist as soon as you can. The main risk is that the problem can become very chronic as the tendon becomes thickened due to scar tissue.
Investigation and treatment for infrapatellar tendonitis starts with a full clinical assessment followed usually by either an ultrasound scan of the tendon or an MRI scan.
MRI scans or ultrasound scans in Edinburgh are available at the Edinburgh Clinic where Doctor Cameron consults.
Treatment for jumpers knee may include medication, physical therapy, careful x-ray guided injection or an individual rest and rehabilitation program. Surgery is not often needed if the condition is recongised early and treated by a sports injury specialist doctor.