What is jumper's knee?

Jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendonitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of your patellar tendon. This connects your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone (tibia). Jumper’s knee weakens your tendon, and, if untreated, can lead to tears in your tendon.

What causes jumper’s knee?

Jumper’s knee is caused by overuse of your knee joint, such as frequent jumping on hard surfaces.

It’s usually a sports-related injury, linked to leg muscle contraction and the force of hitting the ground. This strains your tendon. With repeated stress, your tendon may become inflamed.

What are the symptoms of jumper's knee?

Following are the most common symptoms of jumper's knee. However, you may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness around your patellar tendon
• Swelling
• Pain with jumping, running, or walking
• Pain when bending or straightening your leg
• Tenderness behind the lower part of your kneecap

The symptoms of jumper's knee may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is jumper's knee diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, your healthcare provider may use an X-ray to help diagnose jumper's knee.

How is jumper's knee treated?

The best treatment for jumper's knee is to stop any activity that’s causing the problem until the injury is healed. Other treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Rest
• Elevating your knee
• Ice packs to your knee (to help reduce swelling)
• Stretching and strengthening exercises

Key points

• Jumper’s knee is inflammation of your patellar tendon, the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone (tibia).
• Jumper’s knee is a sports-related injury caused by overuse of your knee joint.
• Common signs of jumper’s knee include:
  • Pain and tenderness around your patellar tendon
  • Swelling
  • Pain with jumping, running, or walking
  • Pain when bending or straightening the leg
  • Tenderness behind the lower part of the kneecap
• Jumper’s knee is diagnosed by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam. Sometimes an X-ray may be needed.
• The best treatment for jumper's knee is to stop any activity that’s causing the problem until the injury is healed. Other treatment may include:
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Rest
  • Elevating the knee
  • Ice packs to the knee (to help reduce swelling)
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.