If you're an athlete or someone who regularly trains in high-impact sports, knee pain—especially just below the kneecap—may be all too familiar. This discomfort might be more than simple overuse; it could be Jumper’s Knee, a condition that affects the patellar tendon and can impact your performance and long-term joint health.
At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we often see athletes of all levels struggling with persistent knee pain, especially in sports that involve jumping, sprinting, or sudden stops. In this blog, we explain why Jumper’s Knee (patellar tendinopathy) is so common among athletes, highlight the key risk factors, and offer answers to some of the most common patient concerns.
Jumper’s Knee is a condition where the patellar tendon—located just below your kneecap—becomes irritated, inflamed, or damaged due to repetitive stress. Over time, microtears can develop in the tendon, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced performance.
It is most common in sports that involve repeated jumping, explosive movements, or hard landings, such as:
Athletes often put their knees under extreme and repetitive load—whether it’s landing from a jump or sprinting during a match. This constant demand doesn’t give the patellar tendon enough time to recover, increasing the risk of inflammation and micro-injuries.
“I train hard every day. Is pain under the kneecap just part of being an athlete?”Not necessarily. Pain isn’t something to ignore—it’s a signal from your body that something may be wrong. Addressing it early can prevent more serious injury.
Incorrect jumping or landing techniques, misaligned knees, or imbalanced muscle strength can all place uneven pressure on the patellar tendon. Over time, this increases the risk of injury.
At DRHC Dubai, our physiotherapy and sports medicine teams evaluate your movement patterns to address underlying mechanical causes.
Athletes sometimes increase their training volume or intensity too quickly—especially during pre-season or competitive preparation. Without adequate progression, the tendon doesn’t have time to adapt.
These changes can overload the tendon and lead to early signs of tendinopathy.
Training or competing on hard courts or concrete surfaces increases the impact on your knees. If combined with unsupportive or worn-out shoes, the shock absorption decreases—placing even more stress on the patellar tendon.
Tip: Choose well-cushioned, sport-specific footwear and replace it regularly to reduce knee strain.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to seek professional evaluation:
1. Can I keep training with Jumper’s Knee?
It depends on the severity. In the early stages, modified training with guided physiotherapy can help. However, continuing high-impact activity without treatment may worsen the condition.
2. Will I need surgery?
In most cases, no. At DRHC Dubai, we focus on non-surgical treatments, including:
Surgery is considered only if conservative measures fail after several months.
3. What is the recovery time?
Mild cases may improve within 4–6 weeks. More advanced tendinopathy may require 3–4 months of structured rehabilitation. Recovery timelines vary based on individual factors and adherence to the treatment plan.
4. Is it possible to prevent Jumper’s Knee?
Yes, with the right approach. Preventive strategies include:
If you’re noticing pain that persists, interferes with performance, or worsens with activity, don’t ignore it. Delaying treatment can lead to chronic tendon damage that takes longer to heal.
At DRHC Dubai, our experienced orthopedic and sports medicine specialists offer comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based treatments for Jumper’s Knee and other sports-related injuries. We tailor your care based on your sport, fitness level, and goals—so you can return stronger and more resilient.
Athletes push their limits—but staying pain-free is essential to long-term performance and health. If you're dealing with knee pain, our team at Dr. Rami Hamed Center is here to support your recovery with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.
Dr. Rami Hamed
Consultant Spine & Orthopedic Surgeon
Founder, DRHC – Dubai Healthcare City
📞 +971 4 279 8800
🌐 www.drhc.ae
📍 Dubai Healthcare City, Building 52