Jumper's Knee / Patellar Tendonitis - Anyone ever deal with this?

[DeacsATS]

Apologies for starting a new thread on this, but I figured it'd get lost in the running/cycling thread.

Have had lingering right knee pain for months, but it got worse over the last month as I started playing in a rec basketball league and also increased the amount of running I've been doing. Finally got in to see my doctor (Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist) on Friday and found out it is "Jumper's Knee"... Which I found ironic given my lack of a vertical.

Sounds like this is something that has a tendency to linger if not treated properly. In the past, I tried rest and ice with limited results. I have a patellar tendon strap on order. Will likely start PT soon (have already looked into exercises/stretches that are supposed to help).

Thought I'd ask to see if anyone else has dealt with this. Anything work particularly well? Anything you wouldn't recommend? Thanks!

 

[deacfan123]

I had it, although a very mild version. I played a lot of basketball at the time and while I didn't stop playing, I would play for a little less time each time and wore a patellar strap. Worked for me, and I had pain for a few more weeks as it got better and better and since then I haven't had any problems at all.

 

[MichDeac25]

I had it, although a very mild version. I played a lot of basketball at the time and while I didn't stop playing, I would play for a little less time each time and wore a patellar strap. Worked for me, and I had pain for a few more weeks as it got better and better and since then I haven't had any problems at all.

I basically have this chronically. Run, play basketball, and lots of volleyball. Patellar tendonitis or patellafemoral syndrome is kind of a fancy way of them saying, they don't know exactly what is wrong with your knee. The way it all works together is pretty complex and they have a few ideas as to what causes but don't really know how to solve it. In general, it's a condition in which the patella doesn't track properly causing discomfort and inflammation. Why it doesn't track properly probably depends on the person and is up for debate. Some think it's the IT band, some think it's from weak quads, some think it's related to a tight hamstring, some think it's from weak hip adductors. Others think the glute needs to be stronger. They'll recommend a combination of stretching and strength training that may or may not work in my experience.

The best approach is to do a lot of internet research and plan to strengthen and stretch all of your leg muscles.

That said, I'm curious as to others approach.

 

[SDeacz]

I've had it pretty severe in one knee. I was on a lot of anti inflammatory drugs like celebrex.

The only way it completely goes away is a lot of rest, then slow rehab to strengthen and stretch your muscles surrounding the knee.

To manage it while not being able to rest, I was advised to warm up really well. Any or all of: Ultrasound, heat, quad stretches. Also foam roller or any kind of roller to IT band, quad, hamstrings, calf. Always ice afterward. I was also advised by PT and doctor to avoid stairs. When I had a few days, a painful deep tissue massage to the tendon can generate blood flow and help it recuperate. The knee strap certainly helped during activity.

 

[warak]

as others have said, it is an overuse injury (of sorts). you should take it easy for a while (weeks), take some NSAIDs, ice, etc.. it sucks and will not really go away until you let it heal.

if you don't let it rest you may find yourself altering your normal gait and injuring your other leg as you rely on it more.

 

[BillBrasky]

Been going through this for 2+ years in my left knee. Its the reason I gave up long distance running. The only way I can run on it pain free is with a strap. It sucks.

 

[91deac]

I basically have this chronically. Run, play basketball, and lots of volleyball. Patellar tendonitis or patellafemoral syndrome is kind of a fancy way of them saying, they don't know exactly what is wrong with your knee. The way it all works together is pretty complex and they have a few ideas as to what causes but don't really know how to solve it. In general, it's a condition in which the patella doesn't track properly causing discomfort and inflammation. Why it doesn't track properly probably depends on the person and is up for debate. Some think it's the IT band, some think it's from weak quads, some think it's related to a tight hamstring, some think it's from weak hip adductors. Others think the glute needs to be stronger. They'll recommend a combination of stretching and strength training that may or may not work in my experience.

The best approach is to do a lot of internet research and plan to strengthen and stretch all of your leg muscles.

That said, I'm curious as to others approach.

My son had it in high school and the above is very similar to what we heard from the doctors about building strength and stretching. He was working out for football and basketball, but symptoms only happened to him during basketball. He gave up basketball (repetitive jumping on a hard surface), rested a few weeks and started back heavily into football / speed-agility work but he never had anymore problems.