Jumper’s Knee (Patella Tendinopathy) occurs when there is micro-tearing and/or degeneration of the patella tendon. The patella tendon is the strong tendon that attaches the quadriceps muscle to the top of the tibia (shin bone). It’s role is to allow straightening of the leg and dampen down the forces absorbed in activities that involve sprinting, sudden starts and stops and repetitive jumping.

Symptoms vary from pain under the knee cap only after exercise to pain on every day activities.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it is generally advisable to limit exercises that excacerbate the problem. Warming up the tendon with some gentle mobility exercises and applying ice after exercise can be helpful. Wearing a knee support or a knee strap can also limit the damage.

Rehabilitation should focus on soft tissue massage to the quadricep muscles, stretching tight hip flexors and improving hamstring and gluteal strength