JUMPER'S KNEE - PATELLAR TENDONITIS TREATMENT

However, jumper's knee (patellar tendonitis) can affect athletes in disciplines involving sudden direction changes, such as football and hockey, as well as recreational athletes.

Therapy for Jumper's Knee at Fizionova Center

Pain around the knee cup is something that should not be ignored.

As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to apply ice to the painful area 4-5 times a day, rest the affected limb, and if the pain persists, consult a sports therapist. In the treatment process, it is essential for the athlete to reduce the intensity of training, especially specific activities causing pain.

At our Fizionova Center, the focus is on treatments that aim to avoid surgical treatment whenever possible. In the case of the jumper's knee, the first step is to calm the ongoing inflammatory process and then promote tissue healing in the affected area.

Patients have access to various treatment protocols tailored to each individual. These protocols consist of combinations of the following methods:

• Massage
• Electrotherapy
• Cryotherapy
• Thermotherapy
• Thermotherapy
• FSWT - Focused Shockwave Therapy

In the case of a jumper's knee, after calming the inflammation, the treatment usually begins with physical therapy and kinesiotherapy, combined with laser and ultrasound treatments that have shown excellent results in the early stages of treatment.

We understand that maintaining conditioning and continuity of training are of immense importance to all active athletes. To facilitate this, our therapists will recommend alternative training depending on the discipline, allowing for continuity while minimizing the impact on the affected area.

Revolutionary Method at Fizionova: FSWT - Focused Shockwave Therapy

For faster and more efficient recovery, our patients have access to the innovative FSWT-Focused Shockwave Therapy as part of jumper's knee therapy. This is a shockwave therapy aimed at stimulating tissue regeneration and creating new collagen in the tendon. FSWT-Focused Shockwave Therapy is a revolutionary and completely non-invasive method that can significantly contribute to recovery and healing in cases of patellar tendonitis. We are proud to be the only centre in Southeast Europe with this device. The device generates low-intensity waves that improve blood flow to the treated area, and promote the creation of new blood vessels and collagen fibres in the tendon, significantly accelerating the recovery process.

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What Is Patellar Tendonitis?

Jumper's knee, or patellar tendonitis, results from high pressure on the knee, often due to constant and excessive use of the knee in sports or exercise. Overuse of the knee leads to pathological changes that cause inflammation of the patellar tendon, hence the name patellar tendonitis.

Pathology and symptoms of jumper's knee usually occur on the patella itself, but they can also be felt lower on the tibia.

What Are the Symptoms of Jumper's Knee?

The initial symptoms of jumper's knee are pain and tenderness below the knee cap, and they typically develop gradually. This pain initially occurs mainly during activities, especially when kneeling and rising from a squat. As the tendon becomes more damaged, the pain can become more severe, hindering any activity and even occurring at rest. In addition to painful sensations, swelling may occur at the painful site.

Causes

Numerous factors can contribute to the development of a jumper's knee. These factors include those beyond one's control, such as genetics and body anatomy, as well as those that can be influenced, related to muscle strength, training loads, and the patient's flexibility.

For some patients, only one factor may be predominant, while in most cases, several risk factors are present, including:

• A high number of intense training sessions in a short time or a sudden increase in the volume and intensity of training.
• Reduced flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
• Patella alta (a rare condition affecting leg mobility due to a small and undeveloped patella).
• Tight leg muscles, particularly muscles with uneven strength.
• Abnormal gait due to a poor foot arch.
• Excessive body weight.
• Footwear issues.
• Diseases affecting tendon weakening.

Athletes are particularly at risk for patellar tendonitis since activities such as running, jumping, and squatting put significant pressure on the tendon. When running, for example, the knees experience a force up to five times the runner's body weight. For sports like long jumping, the knee pressure is even more evident. Therefore, these and similar sports characterized by long training sessions with knee loading represent a significant risk factor for patellar tendonitis.

Recovery Duration

This is a question that patients often ask. It's important to keep in mind that recovery takes time. The duration of recovery can vary depending on the specific case - the severity of the injury and its duration. In addition, it's crucial to adhere to the therapist's recommendations since not following the recommended measures (or intensifying them) can significantly delay recovery, potentially leading to additional damage and injuries, making recovery even more challenging and lengthy.

Hence, collaboration between the therapist and the patient and open communication regarding expectations are crucial. Developing a treatment plan that will help the patient achieve their goals as soon as possible while prioritizing long-term health is essential.

Prevention

After recovering from patellar tendonitis, steps should be taken to prevent similar injuries in the future. Prevention measures include:

• Proper warm-up before and stretching after each workout.
• Wearing knee braces during activities.
• Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
• Avoid jumping on hard surfaces.

Patellar tendonitis can develop gradually, and symptoms may worsen very slowly, making them not always easy to recognize. If you frequently feel any discomfort or pain in the knee area, it is necessary to consult a doctor because the best treatment outcomes occur when the condition is detected in the acute phase.