Patellar tendonopathy (Jumper’s Knee) is an overuse syndrome that is common and frequently affects non-athletes and athletes alike. Any repetitive activity, especially those that involve rapid acceleration and deceleration, such as jumping, landing, or quick changes of direction concentrate high stresses on the structures in the front of the knee. When the patellar tendon is subject to repetitive, extreme stresses, micro-ruptures of the tendon can occur. With treatment, these lesions may heal completely. However, incomplete healing may lead to chronic degenerative changes within the tendon. A program of non-operative treatment is typically initiated and is usually successful in alleviating symptoms.

Patellar tendonosis usually heals when the tendon stops being overloaded. Therapy includes rest, cryotherapy, stretching, hamstring flexibility, and quadriceps muscle strengthening. Ultrasound may also be useful. Unfortunately, anti-inflammatory medications are seldom effective and corticosteroid injections are controversial at best. Surgical treatment is only considered in refractory cases, where symptoms are intolerable.

P.S. Modification of any repetitive activity, including cross-training, is the best way to prevent chronic Jumper’s Knee for sports enthusiasts.