Pain at the front or back of the knee | Jumper’s Knee
This is also known as: springersknie/jumper’s knee. Jumper’s knee is a strain of the quadriceps tendon (thigh muscle), which runs from the kneecap and attaches to the lower leg. It is common amongst athletes who perform jumping movements. Hence the name jumper’s knee (or springersknie).
The pain is located at the front of the knee, at the level of the kneecap and the tendon below it that attaches to the lower leg. The pain restricts walking and sporting activities. The symptoms often worsen after exercise.
The treatment involves checking for postural or functional abnormalities of the foot and/or a difference in leg length. If these are present, corrective podiatric insoles and/or heel lifts are prescribed. In addition, advice on footwear is provided. You will often be treated by both the podiatrist and the physiotherapist.
What is jumper’s knee?
This is also known as: jumper’s knee or inflamed knee. Jumper’s knee is a strain of the tendon of the thigh muscle that runs from the kneecap and attaches to the lower leg. It is common among young athletes aged between 15 and 35 who frequently perform jumping movements. Hence the name ‘jumper’s knee’. The pain is felt at the front of the knee, at the level of the kneecap and the tendon beneath it that attaches to the lower leg. The pain restricts walking and sporting activities. The symptoms often worsen after exercise.
What complaints and symptoms might someone have?
The pain associated with jumper’s knee is often described as a stabbing pain and is therefore commonly referred to as an ‘inflamed knee’. Patients with jumper’s knee often describe the following symptoms:
- pain when someone presses on the tendon, known as tenderness;
- a (slight) swelling of the knee;
- Stress on the knee causes a stabbing pain. Stretching the leg, for example, is very painful;
- During the warm-up and cool-down, the knee is painful.
Preventing knee inflammation
- Minimise impact on the knees in cases of mild pain at the front of the knee;
- Good landing technique;
- Regular stretching of the front thigh muscle (the well-known heel-to-buttock stretch);
- Healthy weight;
- Training on soft surfaces
Jumpers’ knee treatment
The treatment involves checking for postural or functional abnormalities of the foot and/or leg length discrepancy. If this occurs, corrective measures will be taken podiatric insoles and/or heel lift applied. In addition, a shoe advice Given. You will often be treated by both the podiatrist and the physiotherapist.
