Patella tendinopathy

What is patella tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is knee condition that causes pain and discomfort at the front of the knee. The patellar tendon is strong tendon that connects the thigh muscles (quadriceps) at the front of your leg to the shinbone (tibia). The patellar tendon works with the quadriceps to extend the knee for movements such as kicking and jumping. For this reason PT is also referred to as ‘ Jumpers knee’, as you might develop patellar tendinopathy if you play sports that involve jumping such as; basketball, netball or volleyball. You can also get PT through running activities.

What causes patella tendinopathy?

The exact cause of PT is unknown. However, it is thought to be an overuse injury due to repeated or abnormal stress to the patella tendon. This could be due to a sudden increase in activity or overtraining in sports. For example running faster or at a higher intensity then you are normally used to. In sports or exercise, poor footwear, poor technique, reduced balance and training on hard surfaces can contribute to symptoms of PT. Other proposed factors which may influence the development of PT are ; age, muscle weakness, bodyweight and loss of knee mobility.  Microscopic changes occur within the tendon fibers causing tendon thickening, pain, stiffness swelling and knee weakness.

What are the symptoms of PT?

The most prominent symptom of PT is pain, discomfort or aching just below you knee cap (patella). Symptoms are worse when you straighten the knee (knee extension), or when you squat, lunge or jump. The tendon may be tender or painful to touch. In addition, the tendon may feel thicker and become swollen in the affected knee. The pain is usually worse in the morning and the tendon can feel stiff. During exercise pain may be variable and even improve during movement. However, following an aggravating activity symptoms may be more prominent.

How is patella tendinopathy diagnosed?

PT can be diagnosed by your doctor or physiotherapist through consultation and physical examination.  Scans (i.e X-rays/ MRIs) are not generally used unless there is a suggestion of a complete tear (rupture) of the tendon.

How can Physiotherapy help?

PT can usually be treated through activity modification and exercise. Your physiotherapist can prescribe exercises to improve strength and flexibility around your knee and lower limb.  Your physiotherapist can also provide advice and support on how to keep active and maintain your fitness through other forms of exercise that allows your patellar tendon to take less load while it is recovering.


Refrence list:

  1. Challoumas, D., Pedret, C., Biddle, M., Ng, N.Y.B., Kirwan, P., Cooper, B., Nicholas, P., Wilson, S., Clifford, C. and Millar, N.L. (2021). Management of patellar tendinopathy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised studies. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 7(4), p.e001110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001110.
  2. Muaidi, Q.I. (2020). Rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy. Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions, [online] 20(4), pp.535–540. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7716685/.
  3. Rosen, A.B., Wellsandt, E., Nicola, M. and Tao, M.A. (2021). Current Clinical Concepts: Clinical Management of Patellar Tendinopathy. Journal of Athletic Training, 57(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0049.21.