Before the basketball season gets underway, let’s review a common cause of knee pain in athletes. Jumper’s knee is also known as patellar tendinitis. A typical presentation is as follows:
- Gradual onset of pain in the front of the knee, just below the knee cap
- Pain worse after running or jumping
- In adolescents, it may occur along with a bony bump over the attachment point of the tendon
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How Is It Treated?
Treatment for this common condition includes proper assessment by a professional since type of hard surfaces, foot wear, lack of flexibility in specific joints, may all play a role. Physical therapy is a main stay of treatment for this condition, which includes eccentric (lengthening) strengthening. Other approaches to promote healing include injections such as PRP (platelet rich plasma).
