If you are like most athletes, you are always looking for ways to improve your performance by jumping higher or running faster. Excessive training can lead to jumper’s knee, but what is the average jumper’s knee recovery time?
In this blog post, we will discuss the aspects that affect jumper’s knee recovery time so that you can make an informed decision about when to start training again. We will also provide tips on how to speed up the healing process, and minimize the likelihood of it reoccurring.
The Knee Joint
The knee joint is a complex hinge joint that allows the leg to bend and straighten. It is made up of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, which acts as a cushion and helps the joint move smoothly.
The knee joint is held together by a number of ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue that connect the bones. The hamstring and quadricep muscles also attach to the knee and help to stabilize it.
The patellar tendon is a strong ligament on the front of the knee that attaches the patella to the tibia and helps to extend the leg. Jumper’s knee is an overuse injury that occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed or damaged.
What is Patellar Tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis is a knee injury or condition that occurs when the tendon connecting the shin bone to the patella becomes irritated or inflamed. The patellar tendon helps the leg extend when the knee is straightened. The patellar tendon helps the quadriceps muscle (or thigh muscles) complete this movement.
This injury is common in athletes who participate in sports that put stress on the knees, such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. It can also be caused by overuse or repetitive stress, such as running or jumping on a hard surface.
Patellar tendonitis is also referred to as jumper’s knee because it is a common injury among basketball players who jump frequently. The condition can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms may come on gradually or suddenly.
The condition is also more common in people who have a risk factor, such as a previous injury to the tendon, tightness in the calf muscle, or arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis?
The most common symptom of patellar tendonitis may include:
– swelling or tenderness around the kneecap
– stiffness in the knee
– weakness in the leg
– a popping or snapping sensation around the kneecap
– difficulty straightening the leg fully
How is Patellar Tendonitis Diagnosed?
It is important to get a correct diagnosis because it can present similarly to patellar tendinopathy. Patellar tendinopathy is a degenerative condition that primarily affects the collagen of the tendon, whereas tendonitis is just when the tendon is inflamed.
Jumper’s knee is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of symptoms. An x-ray or MRI may also be ordered to rule out other conditions and to spot possible tiny tears in the tendon.
Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended as the first line of treatment. A physical therapist can help to develop an individualized exercise program that targets the affected area and helps to improve flexibility and strength in the quadriceps tendon.
Therapists may also show patients examples of exercises that can be done at home to help reduce symptoms, prevent further damage, and help you slowly get back to your pre-injury activity level. In some cases, physical therapy may need to be combined with other treatments.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
The best treatment options for patellar tendonitis typically focus on reducing the inflammation of the tendon. This can be done through a variety of methods, but the most common is the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
These medications work by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, which helps to reduce swelling and pain.
Knee Brace
The knee brace is one of the most common treatments for this condition. It helps to stabilize the knee cap and support the inferior pole or aspect of the patella. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation, and speed up recovery time. The knee brace is typically worn for a period of 6-8 weeks.
After this, it can be removed and worn as needed. For some people, the knee brace may need to be worn on a permanent basis.
Cortisone and Platelet-rich Plasma Injections
Cortisone injections help to reduce inflammation and pain, while platelet-rich plasma injections promote healing by delivering a concentration of growth factors to the affected area. While both treatment options are effective, cortisone should be used sparingly to avoid damaging the tendon.
Rest
Avoid all activities that put a strain on the knee, such as running or playing sports. Instead, patients are advised to relax and take it easy. This may involve reading a book, watching TV, or pursuing other low-impact hobbies. While complete rest may be difficult to achieve, it is often necessary in order to allow the knee to heal properly.
Ice
Ice packs or ice baths help to reduce inflammation and pain, which can aid the healing process. For best results, ice packs should be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. In addition, as noted prior, it is important to rest the affected leg as much as possible to prevent further injury.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a doctor or other medical professional.
Jumper’s Knee Recovery Time
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but it is typically around 4-8 weeks. In general, mild to moderate jumper’s knee can be treated conservatively.
The risk of re-injury is high, so it is important to take measures to prevent the condition from recurring.
If jumper’s knee is left untreated, it can become a chronic condition that causes long-term pain and dysfunction. Severe cases of patellar tendinitis may require surgery to repair the damage as a last resort to provide pain relief.
With proper care and rehabilitation, most people are able to fully recover from jumper’s knee and return to their normal activities.
Be Consistent with Treatment
Jumper’s knee is a common injury, especially among athletes. It can be tempting to just push through the pain and hope that it will go away on its own. However, this is often not the best course of action. Instead, it is important to be consistent with the jumper’s knee treatment.
This means listening to the doctors and following their recommendations. It also means taking steps to build resiliency both physically and emotionally.
Finally, it is important to believe in yourself and your ability to recover. By taking these steps, you increase the odds that you will make a full recovery and be able to return to your sport.