Being a tennis player is a rewarding experience for those with skill and patience. Unfortunately, it can also be problematic for joints in the body like your knee. The average tennis player suffers common knee pain from overuse. And many of them develop more serious issues like patellar tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee).
So, let’s discuss what can be done if you have patellar tendonitis. First, focus on working your knee, stretching the damaged areas, and keeping it active without pushing it too hard. And wear a brace. While it won’t be an immediate process, overcoming Jumper’s Knee can help a tennis player get back on the court and regain their game. Even help you avoid any permanent damage to your knee.
Your knee often suffers from a variety of microscopic tears and degeneration. When this problem occurs, it’s usually caused by jumping through the air and landing too hard. It’s also common in those who haven’t stretched properly or who have weak flexibility in their quadriceps.
While stretching before each tennis match may help to manage this problem, it’s essential to continually extend your knee to avoid it. That said, foot types can also influence the development of this condition. Those with bow legs or flat fleet often develop Jumper’s Knee.
When you develop patellar tendonitis, you’ll notice a sharp pain in your knee whenever you exert it. For example, you’re likely to feel pain when you pivot to strike a ball or when you serve and sprint. The pain progressively gets worse throughout the match.
Treating it with ice immediately when you experience the pain to reduce potential inflammation. This helps minimize a worsening condition and keeps you focused on recovery. It may be time to consider using a brace.
How Braces Can Help
A high-quality knee brace can help to stabilize your joint and keep it from working too hard. It can also help support your kneecap as you walk and stop an extra pain from occurring. Even if you don’t suffer from Jumper’s Knee at that point, a knee brace offers a stable support system that can provide your knee with the strength it needs to recover.
Before you throw a knee brace on your leg without planning, it is essential to know how to fit them properly. While wearing a knee brace after Jumper’s Knee isn’t too painful of a task to perform, doing it right will ensure that you maximize your chances of full recovery. It also helps boost your chances of staying on top of your tennis game.
Getting Professional Help
While it’s possible to go through this process on your own, it’s a better idea to contact a professional and get the help you need to recover and keep your tennis game strong. If your patellar tendonitis isn’t getting any better after this lengthy process, please contact a doctor or athletic trainer. They can assess the situation and will work to provide you with the high-quality care that you need.