What Is Patellar Tendonitis?
The patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shin bone and plays an important role in straightening the knee.
Patellar tendonitis, often referred to clinically as patellar tendinopathy, can develop when the tendon is repeatedly exposed to more load than it can currently tolerate.
It is commonly associated with:
- Running
- Jumping
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Gym training
- Repeated squatting
A sudden increase in training volume or intensity can also contribute to symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Patellar tendonitis usually causes pain at the front of the knee, particularly around the lower edge of the kneecap.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain below the kneecap
- Pain when jumping or running
- Discomfort during squats
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Knee stiffness
- Tenderness around the patellar tendon
- Reduced sports performance
Symptoms may initially appear only during exercise but can become more noticeable if the tendon continues to be overloaded.
What Causes Patellar Tendonitis?
Patellar tendon problems are often related to repeated loading without enough time for the tendon to adapt.
Possible contributing factors include:
- Sudden increases in training
- Frequent jumping
- Increased running
- Repeated sprinting
- Returning to sport too quickly
- Reduced recovery between workouts
- Lower-limb weakness
- Changes in exercise routine
You do not have to be a professional athlete to develop patellar tendon pain. Recreational runners and gym-goers can also experience it.
Patellar Tendonitis vs Other Knee Pain
Not all pain at the front of the knee is caused by the patellar tendon.
Other possible causes include:
- Patellofemoral pain
- Meniscus problems
- Ligament injuries
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Other tendon conditions
Because several knee conditions can produce similar symptoms, a proper assessment is important before starting a rehabilitation program.
Can Physiotherapy Help Patellar Tendonitis?
Yes. Physiotherapy can be an important part of managing patellar tendon problems.
Treatment generally focuses on gradually improving the tendon and surrounding muscles' ability to tolerate load.
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Progressive strengthening
- Mobility exercises
- Movement assessment
- Functional rehabilitation
- Home exercises
- Sports-specific exercises
Exercises for Patellar Tendonitis
Exercise is usually an important part of rehabilitation.
Your physiotherapist may introduce exercises such as:
Quadriceps Strengthening
Strengthening the quadriceps can help improve the knee's ability to handle everyday and sporting demands.
Squats
Controlled squats can gradually increase the load placed through the knee and surrounding muscles.
Step Exercises
Step-ups and step-downs can help develop strength and control during functional movements.
Hip and Glute Strengthening
Strengthening the hip and glute muscles can support better lower-limb movement during running, jumping, and squatting.
Exercises should be progressed gradually rather than performed through significant pain.
Should You Stop Exercising?
Not necessarily.
Complete rest is not always the best solution. Instead, you may need to temporarily reduce activities that significantly aggravate your symptoms while continuing appropriate movement.
For example, if jumping causes significant pain, your physiotherapist may recommend reducing jumping volume while maintaining other suitable forms of exercise.
As your strength and tolerance improve, activities can gradually be increased.
Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected tendon-related conditions.
However, it is not appropriate for every person with knee pain. An assessment should first determine whether the patellar tendon is contributing to your symptoms.
Shockwave therapy may be used alongside rehabilitation rather than replacing strengthening and activity management.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies from person to person.
It can depend on:
- How long you have had symptoms
- Severity of pain
- Current strength
- Training volume
- Recovery habits
- Previous injuries
- Consistency with rehabilitation
Tendon rehabilitation can take time, so returning to full sport immediately after pain decreases may not be appropriate.
A gradual progression from strengthening to running, jumping, and sport-specific movements can help prepare the knee for higher demands.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
Consider an assessment if:
- Knee pain keeps returning
- Running or jumping has become painful
- Squatting is uncomfortable
- Your sports performance is declining
- You have persistent pain below the kneecap
- You have reduced your normal activities because of knee pain
A physiotherapist can assess your movement, strength, symptoms, and activity levels and develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Seek urgent medical assessment if you experience:
- Sudden severe knee pain after an injury
- A popping or snapping sensation
- Major swelling
- Inability to straighten your knee
- Inability to bear weight
- Significant loss of function
- An obvious change in the shape of the knee
These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury rather than routine patellar tendinopathy.
Patellar Tendonitis Treatment in Surrey at Renew Physiotherapy
Patellar tendon pain can interfere with running, jumping, workouts, sports, and everyday activities.
At Renew Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, rehabilitation can focus on identifying contributing factors and gradually improving your strength, movement, and tolerance to activity.
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy assessment
- Progressive strengthening
- Activity modification
- Functional rehabilitation
- Sports-specific training
- Home exercise guidance
- Shockwave therapy when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is patellar tendonitis the same as jumper's knee?
Yes. Jumper's knee is a common term used for patellar tendon problems, particularly those associated with jumping sports.
Can I walk with patellar tendonitis?
Many people can continue walking, depending on their symptoms. Activities that significantly increase pain may need to be modified.
Should I completely rest?
Usually, complete inactivity is not necessary. Appropriate activity modification and progressive strengthening are generally more useful for long-term recovery.
Can I return to sports?
Many people can return to sports after rehabilitation. However, running, jumping, and sport-specific movements should generally be reintroduced gradually.
Conclusion
Patellar tendonitis can make running, jumping, exercise, and everyday movement difficult, but appropriate rehabilitation can help improve strength and activity tolerance.