Jumper's knee

Or Patellar tendinopathy normally occurs when the cricketer jumps and comes down extremely heavily on his knees. The patella tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia bone is partially ruptured by this jarring action. The tissue gets inflamed and degenerates if it is overused.

Symptoms

• Pain underneath the kneecap
• Aching and stiffness after exertion
• Pain when you contract your quadriceps

There are three grades of injury:
Grade one jumpers knee is when the pain only occurs after training

What can be done?

• You can carry on training but always apply ice afterwards
• Wear a support brace or a heat retainer

Grade two jumpers knee is when your knee hurts before and after exercise, but the pain decreases once you are warmed up

What can be done?

• Change your training so that you reduce stress on the tendon. For example, rather opt for a steady long-distance run or a swim over jumping and sprinting.

Grade three jumpers knee is so sore that it stops you from performing at your optimum level during training.

What can be done?

• Stop your normal training replace it with gentler exercises like swimming
• Rest

Grade four jumpers knee affects all your daily activities and not only your training.

What can be done?

• Take three months off
• Consult an orthopaedic surgeon if the knee cannot be rehabilitated
• Take anti-inflammatories
• Cross-friction massage techniques

Note: In all four grades the following can help:

• Consult a sports injury specialist immediately
• Sports massage techniques will speed up recovery
• Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
• Follow a rehabilitation programme prescribed by a specialist

Other related articles:
Painkillers (Paracetamol)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
COX-2 specific inhibitors
Different Steroids
Cortisone injections