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Anterior Knee Pain | Jumper’s Knee | Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis, commonly known as “jumper’s knee,” is an overuse injury characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common among athletes who participate in sports that require repeated jumping, running, or rapid changes in direction, such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Patellar tendinitis can lead to pain and discomfort in the knee, affecting an individual’s ability to participate in sports and daily activities.
Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive jumping, running, or squatting can place excessive stress on the patellar tendon, leading to micro-tears and inflammation.
Improper Technique: Poor jumping or landing mechanics can increase stress on the knee and patellar tendon, promoting the development of tendinitis.
Training Errors: Sudden increases in training intensity or volume (such as ramping up workouts too quickly) can overload the patellar tendon.
Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can affect the alignment and function of the patellar tendon.
Age: As individuals age, the elasticity of the tendons may decrease, making them more susceptible to injury, which is more common in older athletes.
Footwear and Surface: Wearing inappropriate footwear or training on hard surfaces can increase the impact on the knees during physical activities.
Knee Pain: The most common symptom is pain located at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. The pain may worsen during activities such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs.
Swelling: Mild swelling or tenderness may occur around the patellar tendon.
Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff, especially after prolonged periods of sitting or after physical activity.
Weakness: Individuals may experience a feeling of weakness in the knee, particularly when attempting to jump or run.
Pain with Activity: Pain may increase during physical activities, especially in sports that involve jumping or running.
Pain at Rest: In more severe cases, pain may persist even during rest or at night.
The primary goal in treating patellar tendinitis is to reduce inflammation in the patellar tendon and alleviate the stress and tension from the quadriceps. Once inflammation and pain decrease, it is important to gradually adjust exercise intensity, train the lower limb muscles, and improve running and jumping techniques to reduce stress on the patellar tendon.
Common physical therapy methods include:
Common TCM treatments include:
Acupuncture can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote blood circulation by stimulating specific meridians and acupoints.
Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) is common among athletes and active individuals. Whether to continue exercising when experiencing knee pain and discomfort depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the type of exercise, and individual recovery progress. Here are some considerations:
1. Severity of Symptoms:
Mild Symptoms: If the pain is mild and does not affect daily activities or exercise ability, it may be possible to continue with low-intensity exercises, such as swimming or cycling, which place less stress on the knee.
Moderate to Severe Symptoms: If the pain is significant, especially during jumping, running, or climbing stairs, it is advisable to pause high-intensity exercises to avoid further injury.
2. Type of Exercise:
Avoid High-Impact Activities: Sports such as basketball, volleyball, or other activities that involve a lot of jumping should be temporarily stopped, as these can increase stress on the knee.
Choose Low-Impact Exercises: Consider engaging in low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming, yoga, or using an elliptical machine, which can help maintain activity levels while reducing strain on the knee.
3. Professional Advice:
Medical Evaluation: It is recommended to consult medical professionals, such as physical therapists or sports medicine doctors, for personalized advice. They can help assess the injury and provide suitable exercise recommendations and rehabilitation plans.
4. Rehabilitation Training:
Perform Rehabilitation Exercises: Under the guidance of healthcare professionals, you can engage in specific rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability, and promote recovery.
Pay Attention to Pain Indicators: When participating in any exercise, closely monitor your body's response. If you experience increased pain, stop the activity immediately.
5. Rest and Recovery:
Adequate Rest: Incorporate appropriate rest periods into your training plan to facilitate knee recovery. Overusing the injured knee may delay the recovery process.
When patellar tendinitis has stabilized into a chronic condition, it is recommended to strengthen the entire lower limb muscles to avoid concentrating stress solely on the quadriceps, its tendon, and the knee joint before returning to previous exercise habits.
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