Jumper’s Knee
Anterior knee pain usually occurs as a result of increased activity, especially running and ballistic activities like jumping and hopping. It is commonly seen in active adolescents who are going through a growth spurt, but can affect people at any stage.
There is usually a biomechanical imbalance in the knee, with some muscles around the knee tight and others weakened.
Signs and symptoms:
- Pain, usually associated with activity, felt primarily at the front of the knee, below the patella (knee cap).
- Tenderness on the quadriceps tendon,below the patella (knee cap)
- Pain can also be felt with sitting or driving for long periods
- Tightness at the front and/or the side of the knee
A thorough physiotherapy assessment will help identify any biomechanical imbalance present. This will involve looking at the muscles in the hip and knee as well as an assessment of the foot. Manual therapy and exercises as well as orthotics, if required usually gives a good outcome to this problem
