Jumper’s knee – also known as patellar tendonitis – is damage to the tendon that attaches to the lower section of the patella or kneecap. It can also refer to injury or inflammation to the upper knee where thigh muscles and tendons attach.
Find all the information you’ll need before coming to Hospital for treatment. Learn more about making an appointment, our luxurious accommodation and our exceptional facilities.
About Us
Founded in 1856, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals. Our commitment to our patients is in the quality of our care, the range of our services and the quality of our consultants and staff.
Contact Us
Make an appointment, find our contact details and have your say by providing feedback. You’ll also find information on where to find us and how to get here.
Health Professionals
Find the useful information for Medical Practitioners, including information on patient referrals, careers, education and more.
Services
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is renowned for its highly specialised clinics that provide exemplary care for patients. Our expert Consultants cover the full range of specialties and are able to treat almost any medical condition.
Consultants
We’re proud to be the chosen Hospital for some of the world’s leading Consultants. Our specialist Consultants cover a wide range of specialisms and are committed to our values as a Hospital.
Search
Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s knee causes
Jumper’s Knee is caused by repetitive force and gets its name from the prevalence of jumping athletes who suffer pain in their knees. It is prevalent in sports such as long-jumping, basketball, volleyball but is also found in football players and cyclists. The kneecap is put under intense load during the landing phase in any jump causing micro tears and collagen degeneration
Jumper’s knee symptoms
The most common system is pain at the bottom front of the kneecap which will feel tender when pressing and will be characterized by aching and stiffness after exercise. The pain can be sporadic before worsening and affecting daily activities such as climbing stairs or sitting in a car.
But the symptoms may also be slight which encourages renewed activity that can lead to a chronic condition developing.
Jumper’s knee diagnosis
It is important to get an early diagnosis so the condition does not worsen and an orthopaedic surgeon can advise if the injury can be treated with rest and rehabilitation exercises or requires surgery.
Jumper’s knee treatment
An operation to remove abnormal tissue is a tried and tested surgical route and can be achieved with a minimally invasive arthroscopy procedure or open surgery depending on the tendon damage.
Ultrasound may be used to decrease pain symptoms and support braces can be employed to stabilize the joint during recovery.
Contact us
To ask a question about jumper’s knee or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 1pm. Our knee specialists team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment.
If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP. If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 020 7432 8328 or email us at [email protected]
Knee Clinic
The Knee Unit at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital comprises a dedicated team specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain and stiffness caused by knee conditions or injuries.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 7432 8328.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
