In a study of 891 recreational athletes across seven sports, the overall prevalence was 8.5%, but the risk varied by sport highest in volleyball players (14.4%) and lowest in soccer players (2.5%).
Men were nearly twice as likely to develop a jumper’s knee (10.2%) compared to women (6.4%), and symptoms often lasted 12 to 18 months without effective treatment.
This shows just how stubborn a jumper’s knee can be when ignored. At my clinic The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge, CO I provide safe and proven non-surgical treatment options for jumper’s knee that significantly restores quality of life.
What Is Patellar Tendonitis?
Jumper’s knee also known as patellar tendinopathy affects the tendon that anchors your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). This tendon is the direct link between the quadriceps muscles on the front of your thigh and your lower leg.
With repeated stress, especially in sports that involve explosive jumps or quick lunges, small microtears can develop in the tendon fibers. The hallmark sign is pain just below the kneecap.
It’s important to separate jumper’s knee from patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee). Runner’s knee involves the cartilage behind the kneecap and typically produces pain around or behind the patella. Jumper’s knee specifically affects the patellar tendon itself.
Common Causes of Jumper’s Knee We See in Wheat Ridge, CO
Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
Flat feet or collapsed arches change the alignment of the entire lower limb. This alters the way force is transferred up through the knee joint, placing additional load on the patellar tendon.
Athletes with flat feet often experience knee pain sooner because the tendon is forced to absorb stress it was not designed to handle.
Genu Valgum (Knock Knees)
Inward knee alignment shifts the load-bearing line away from the center of the knee. This uneven distribution places lateral strain on the patellar tendon, especially during movements like jumping, landing, or running.
Chronic irritation develops as the tendon is pulled in an abnormal direction.
Knee Injuries
Past injuries can leave the patellar tendon more vulnerable. A patellar dislocation stretches the tendon fibers, ACL or meniscus injuries alter knee mechanics, and post-surgical scar tissue can restrict smooth tendon function.
Each of these factors changes how force is absorbed, creating long-term stress on the tendon.
Chronic Tendinopathy
Repeated stress on the patellar tendon creates small tears that don’t fully heal. Over time, the tendon thickens but loses flexibility, leaving it weaker and more painful under load.
Athletes with long training histories or untreated knee pain often develop this chronic stage of jumper’s knee.
How We Treat Jumper’s Knee at The Disc Chiropractic
I don’t rely on just rest or medication. The best results come from combining advanced therapies. Here is what i would generally recommend.
Shockwave Therapy
We treat Jumper’s Knee with shockwave therapy using the Intelect® RPW 2 system. The acoustic waves reach deep into the patellar tendon, helping to break down scar tissue and trigger new collagen growth.
Because tendons naturally have poor blood supply, this therapy improves circulation and jumpstarts the healing process.
Therapeutic Exercises
I focus on quadriceps training, which strengthens the patellar tendon by loading it under controlled stretch. At the same time, we work on glute and hamstring strengthening to balance the knee, and retrain landing mechanics to reduce impact during sports.
FAQs About Jumper’s Knee
What does Jumper’s Knee feel like?
Jumper’s knee causes pain just below the kneecap, at the front of the knee. The pain usually starts during jumping, squatting, or climbing stairs and may feel sharp with activity but dull afterwards.
Can a Jumper's knee heal on its own?
In some mild cases, rest may temporarily ease the pain, but most jumper’s knee problems do not fully heal without treatment. The patellar tendon has limited blood supply, which makes recovery slow. Without care, the tendon fibers can degenerate, leading to chronic patellar tendinopathy that may last for months or years.
How long does Jumper’s Knee last?
The duration depends on severity. Mild tendonitis can improve in 6 to 8 weeks with proper management. Chronic cases, where the tendon has thickened or developed scar tissue, may last 3 to 6 months or longer if untreated. Studies show many athletes report symptoms lasting over a year when jumper’s knee is not addressed early.
What is the fastest way to heal Jumper’s Knee?
The fastest recovery usually comes from combining shockwave therapy, which stimulates tendon healing, with strengthening exercises that rebuild the tendon’s ability to handle stress.
Is Jumper’s Knee the same as patellar tendonitis?
Yes. Jumper’s knee is another name for patellar tendonitis. Both terms describe irritation of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). The condition is distinct from patellofemoral pain syndrome, which involves the cartilage under the kneecap rather than the tendon itself.
Stronger Knees Start With the Right Treatment
Jumper’s knee doesn’t have to end your training or active lifestyle. At The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge, I use non-surgical treatments to reduce pain, restore strength, and protect long-term knee health.
Start with our $97 New Patient Special to get a clear diagnosis and a personalized recovery plan.
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910 to get started.