Jumping Injuries: The Bane of Athletes
Jumping injuries are common among athletes, and most often present as Jumper’s knee. Jumper’s knee is considered a common tendinopathy that affects skeletally mature athletes with as many as 20% of athletes affected by it. The medical condition is more likely to affect athletes who engage in jumping motions as part of their training program and during competitions.
There are two types of jumper’s knee – bilateral tendinopathy, which affects men and women equally; and unilateral tendinopathy, which affects more men than women (2:1). Jumper’s knee typically occurs in the attachment between the inferior patellar pole and the patellar tendon; the attachment between the quadriceps tendon and the superior patellar pole; and the attachment between the patellar tendon and the anterior tuberosity of the tibia.
In all of these cases, however, the term “jumper’s knee” refers to the functional stress overload caused by jumping. Due to the nature of the injury, athletes engaged in sports with emphasis on jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, and high jumping, have the highest risks.
Knee pain is the first symptom of jumper’s knee, which usually starts between the affected kneecap. You may initially experience the pain as soon as you start physical activity or after an intense workout. Your pain may worsen until you cannot play as well as you can, even interfere with your daily life activities including walking.
Self-care measures, such as the RICE protocol, can ease the pain from jumper’s knee. But when your pain continues or worsens despite these measures, you should consult with your Healthpointe doctor at any of the clinics, such as the one in Temecula; the Temecula clinic is also accessible for people from Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City. You should also seek medical opinion when the affected knee becomes swollen or red as well as when it interferes with your routine daily activities.
Your doctor will be able to determine which of the 4 stages your jumper’s knee yours falls into:
- Stage 1 – The pain only comes after physical activity but there is no functional impairment
- Stage 2 – The pain occurs during and after an activity but you will still be able to play sports in a satisfactory manner
- Stage 3 – The pain becomes prolonged during and after physical activity characterized by increasing difficulty in satisfactory sports performance
- Stage 4 – Surgical repair is necessary to resolve the complete tendon tear
Follow your doctor’s recommendations for faster recovery from the injury.
Come and visit any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Perris for proper treatment of sports-related jumper’s knee. The Perris clinic also serve patients from the Nuevo, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Homeland, Romoland, and Lakeview.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Perris, which is conveniently located by Nuevo, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Homeland, Romoland, and Lakeview. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.