Jumper’s
knee - Knee pain on climbing stairs - running - jumping - skiing - etc
Signs or Symptoms
Sharp pain or ache just below the kneecap that occurs after activities that
cause stress on the tendon. A few of these activities are jogging, climbing
stairs, jumping or hill climbing.
Description
Patellar tendonitis is when the tendon and the tissues that surround it, become
inflamed and irritated. This is usually due to overuse, especially from jumping
activities.
Causes
Overuse is blamed as the cause of patellar tendonitis, however on examination
there are usually muscle imbalances that are the underlying cause of why you
get this condition and another person doesn’t.
Standard treatment
Avoidance of activities that aggravate the problem is the first step.
Anti-inflammatory medications are used. Stretching exercises are usually given.
AK Approach
The patellar tendon can be injured by either immediate direct trauma or by
repeated micro trauma. If the injury occurred from a single trauma, the
examination is directed immediately to the severity of the injury and is
surgery indicated. Otherwise, the examination is more general as to the total
functioning of the lower extremity. As the knee can be adversely affected by
problems in the ankle and foot or the pelvis above it, the examination begins
by looking for factors in these areas that would adversely affect knee
stability. Locally, the stability of the major ligaments of the knee are then
tested for. The muscles that support the knee are evaluated to find the ones
that are malfunctioning. These are corrected and then tested for the need of
corrective exercises. The attention is then shifted to the localized structures
that are injured and failing to support the knee joint properly. These can
include specialized treatments for ligaments, muscles, skin and joints.
Finally, attention is directed to corrective procedures that can help
coordinate the muscles to help prevent future injuries. Nutritional therapies aimed
at increasing factors that would speed healing and reduce any inflammation are
considered.
Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the
condition. A specific program for your needs is created.