What Is Jumper's Knee? Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Whether you're an athlete or someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, knee pain can be both frustrating and limiting. If you're experiencing discomfort just below your kneecap—especially after jumping, running, or climbing stairs—you might be dealing with a condition known as Jumper’s Knee, medically referred to as patellar tendinopathy.

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we understand how this type of injury can impact your mobility, your confidence, and even your daily routine. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what Jumper’s Knee is, how to recognize it, what causes it, and how it’s diagnosed—so you can make informed decisions about your health and recovery.

What Is Jumper’s Knee?

Jumper’s Knee is an overuse injury that affects the patellar tendon—the strong band of tissue connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). This tendon helps you straighten your knee during movements like kicking, jumping, and running.

When the patellar tendon becomes inflamed or damaged due to repetitive stress, it leads to pain and tenderness in the front of the knee, especially just below the kneecap.

While common in athletes who play sports that involve a lot of jumping (such as basketball, volleyball, or track), Jumper’s Knee can affect anyone who engages in repetitive knee-loading activities, including gym-goers, runners, and even individuals with physically demanding jobs.

Common Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee

If you’re experiencing Jumper’s Knee, you may notice:

• Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
• Swelling or thickening of the patellar tendon
• Pain during or after activity, especially jumping or running
• Stiffness in the knee after sitting or resting
• A gradual loss of strength or performance, particularly in explosive leg movements

Important to know:
Symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild at first. Many people continue their regular activities, thinking the discomfort will go away. However, without treatment, the pain can become persistent and interfere with daily life.

What Causes Jumper’s Knee?

Jumper’s Knee is caused by repeated strain on the patellar tendon, which leads to tiny tears and inflammation over time. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

• Overuse from frequent jumping, running, or sudden directional changes
• Muscle imbalances or tightness in the quadriceps or hamstrings
• Improper training techniques, such as poor landing form or a lack of warm-up
• Hard playing surfaces or unsupportive footwear
• Rapid increase in activity levels, common in athletes or new fitness routines
• Poor knee alignment or flat feet, which increase stress on the tendon

How Is Jumper’s Knee Diagnosed?

At DRHC Dubai, diagnosis starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, activity history, and physical examination. In many cases, the diagnosis is clinical—based on where the pain occurs and how it behaves during movement.

We may also use imaging for a clearer picture:

• Ultrasound: to check for tendon thickening or tears
• MRI: to assess the severity of the tendon damage and rule out other conditions

Early diagnosis is key. Left untreated, Jumper’s Knee can progress from mild inflammation to more serious tendon degeneration, which may take longer to heal.

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