Anyone who is active will find it difficult to cope with knee injuries. Even a slight pain in the knee can affect your daily life and your quality of living. Jumper’s Knee is a common knee injury. Jumper’s Knee can become more serious if it’s not treated properly.
Basics of Jumper’s KneeJumper’s knee is also known as patellar tendonitis. The patellar tendons connects the kneecap (patella), to your shinbone (tibia). This tendon swelling can lead to a number of issues including:
- Pain in the patellar tendon can be generalized
- When you jump, run, walk, or straighten your leg, it can cause pain.
- Swelling of the knee
- The area below the kneecap is tender
Jumper’s Knee is usually an indication that the tendon has been compromised. If left untreated, this can lead to tears or rips that will require advanced treatment in order to heal.
What causes jumper’s knee
Jumping is a common cause of jumper’s Knee. This injury is caused by overusing the patellar tendons. This injury can be caused by repetitive stress on the joint.
Diagnosing Jumper’s knee
Diagnose jumper’s Knee is relatively easy and often part of the routine process to identify various knee conditions. A physical examination and X-rays are usually used to confirm whether or not the injury is present.
After your doctor diagnoses jumper’s leg, he or she can begin treatment. Treatment options include:
- Rest. By avoiding the leg that is injured or by reducing the stress placed on the tendon, you can help your body heal naturally.
- Ice – Do not apply ice continuously, but rather rotate it for a few minutes to allow time for cooling. Ice can reduce swelling and allow you to continue moving. Check the skin to make sure you do not damage the tissue.
- Compression – Gentle compression such as using a soft elastic bandage can reduce swelling. When using compression, it is important to maintain blood circulation to the affected area and lower leg. Remove the bandage if you feel numbness, tingling or tingling.
- Physical Therapy – Slowly incorporating strengthening and stretching exercise can be an important aspect of rehabilitation after an injury. Physical therapists can also help you recover quickly from an injury and get back to your daily routines with a variety of non-invasive treatments.
It is important to get medical attention if you are experiencing knee pain to ensure that the right treatment and diagnosis can be provided. Early treatment can reduce the pain and time it takes to recover after an injury.
