Jumping injuries

Jumping injuries are common in sports like basketball, netball and hurdling where athletes must jump and land repeatedly.

The motion of jumping can lead to excessive strain being put on the joints in the ankles and knees as well as the muscles that run up and down the legs like the hamstrings and quadriceps. This means that jumping injuries come in a variety of forms.

Patellar tendinitis is known as 'jumper's knee' and is a classic overuse injury. When an athlete constantly has to jump, they put strain on the patellar tendon which causes damage over time, leading to pain and serious injury.

Jumping injuries can also stem from trauma to the knee when landing at an awkward angle, or twisting the ankle when planting the foot down preparing to jump.

Avoiding jumping injuries involves stretching, strengthening the different leg muscles, as well as improving flexibility in the knee and ankle joints. Warming up prior to training and competition is essential, as is stretching thoroughly.

We have more information on jumping injuries listed in the articles below, with lots of useful help and advice relating to specific sports and injuries.