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 inhibitor