Knee Supports

Jumper’s Knee – The Symptoms And Treatment

A common and potentially serious symptom among athletes of basketball, volleyball, long jump and track-and-field events, Jumper’s Knee affects sports persons involved in a lot of jumping and landing exercises. Increased competition coupled with intensive training programs have led to an increase in incidence of jumper’s knee.

Causes of jumper’s knee

• Repeated activities causing excessive stress on the patella tendon

• Tiny tears within the patella tendon because of knee overuse

• Decreased flexibility in the thigh and hamstrings

• Tightened leg muscles

• Sporadic resting periods between workouts

Symptoms of jumper’s knee

• Pain: Sharb throbbing pain beneath the kneecap during activity

• Swelling: Mild swelling of the knee joint, other patellar injuries, coupled with reduced range of motion

• Redness or Bruising: In extreme cases discoloration of the knee joint may be detected immediately after an acute injury

Treatment of jumper’s knee

Immediate relief from pain and swelling is required and this often comes in the form of the R.I.C.E. method - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation -one of the most recommended first aid therapeutic treatments.

Rest and protect the injury and cease any activity that may aggravate the condition. This is also important to minimize any swelling and further damage. Rest may also involve the use of supports like crutches, knee straps such as Cho-Pat® Dual Action Knee Strap, braces and kinesiology tapes. Excessive stress during recovery is not recommended as you might end up causing additional damage in the long run.

Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, stimulates vasoconstriction of the blood vessel in the area thus helping bring down swelling and inflammation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a damp towel on the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure every two hours in the first two days. Cautious use of the ice pack treatment should be observed by those sensitive to cold or with circulatory problems.

Compress the injured area with Cho-Pat® Dynamic Knee Compression Sleeve. Compression helps immobilize and protect the joint thus minimizing swelling. Remove compression bandage at night.

Elevation of the injured area above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling by allowing extra fluid to drain. One can elevate the injured area on a pillow while sitting or applying the ice therapy.

Once the recovery process starts, exercise plays an important role in rehabilitation. Stretching and massage help in long-term healing and strengthening of the muscles and knee. Aids such as StretchRite® target the gluteus medius, piriformis, hamstrings and quads that help ensure flexibility along the lower body. OPTP Travel Stick helps in massaging and the myofacial release of the knee can often relieve muscle tension and create tissue mobility contributing significantly towards increasing flexibility.

Jumper’s knee is a common injury and proper rehabilitation techniques and advice from experienced medical professionals can help you get through this painful phase easily.

 

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