Sports that involve high levels of running and jumping can leave athletes at increased risk for certain injuries. Basketball is an example of a sport that can predispose athletes to knee pain. Several studies have shown that the knee is the most common site of injury reported in adolescent basketball players, both male and female.1,2Oftentimes knee pain occurs in the patellar tendon, which is located just below the kneecap. The patellar tendon is at risk for tendinopathy due to high repetition and overuse that can occur during sports with a lot of running and jumping. This type of injury is more commonly known as “jumper’s knee. ”Jumper’s knee is categorized as an overuse injury. This means there is no single traumatic event or injury but more of a gradual increase in pain below the knee. Adolescent athletes may be at an increased risk for tendinopathy development due to their rapid increase in muscle strength, while the tendon stiffness and cross sectional area are not similarly matured.
The risk of jumper’s knee is greater with those athletes that participate in sports with a lot of jumping and running – like volleyball or basketball. There are a couple of other factors that may increase the risk of this condition
1:Male athletes may be at a greater risk for jumper’s knee
2:There is a greater incidence of patellar tendon pain in athletes who train on concrete compared to wood surfaces
3:Sport specialization is a risk factor for patellar tendinopathy compared to multi-sport athletes. Decreased quadriceps flexibility Decreased hamstring flexibility .Training more than 12 hours/week
Ways to decrease jumper’s knee symptoms Stretch your quadriceps muscles Stretch your hamstring muscles Be aware of training surface – aim for surfaces with some shock absorbency as opposed to concrete Vary your sport activity – try not to only participate in sports with heavy running and jumping Cycling and swimming are good alternatives .Do not over train. Monitor the amount of hours practiced and competed each week .Be aware of your body and any signs of inflammation surrounding the knee .Rest if any inflammation is noted. Follow your Physiotherapist advice to help decrease pain and increase muscle flexibility and also look for increasing tissue healing through proper supplements like vitamin c and vitamin D. We at the clinic assess each of our clients and individually design their training program. rest heal and refuel is most important strategy for those who run long distance. contact DR Anjali for any of such advice .