Patellar Tendonitis

Symptoms usually develop gradually rather than suddenly. Pain is often the first sign, especially during or after activity.

Common symptoms include:

• pain just below the kneecap

• tenderness when pressing on the tendon

• pain during activities like jumping, running, or climbing stairs

• stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or after rest

• weakness in the leg or reduced ability to perform sports

• worsening pain over time if not treated

In the early stages, you may only notice discomfort after exercise. As the condition progresses, pain may occur during activity and even at rest.

Patellar tendonitis is usually caused by repeated stress on the tendon. This can lead to small tears that the body struggles to repair fully over time.

Common causes include:

• repetitive jumping or running

• sudden increase in training intensity or frequency

• poor technique during sports or exercise

• tight muscles in the legs, particularly the quadriceps or hamstrings

• muscle imbalances or weakness

Risk factors

Some factors can increase your risk of developing patellar tendonitis:

• high-impact sports participation

• poor footwear or training surfaces

• reduced flexibility

• previous knee injuries

• being overweight, which places more strain on the knee

At your initial consultation, your consultant will ask about your symptoms, activity levels, and medical history. They’ll also examine your knee to check for pain, swelling and movement.

In many cases, a diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms and physical examination. However, tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

These may include:

• ultrasound scan – to assess tendon structure and damage

• MRI scan – to provide detailed images of the tendon and surrounding tissues

• X-ray – to rule out bone-related problems

Your consultant may still recommend imaging even if the diagnosis seems clear, to assess the severity and guide treatment.

While it's not always possible to prevent patellar tendonitis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent it from returning.

These include:

• increasing activity levels gradually rather than suddenly

• warming up properly before exercise

• strengthening the muscles around the knee

• improving flexibility with regular stretching

• wearing appropriate footwear for your sport

• allowing time for rest and recovery between training sessions

If you notice early symptoms, reducing activity and seeking advice can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Patellar tendonitis is usually manageable, but it can lead to ongoing problems if left untreated.

Possible complications include:

• chronic knee pain that affects daily activities

• reduced strength and mobility

• increased risk of tendon rupture (rare but serious)

• long-term damage to the tendon

Most complications develop gradually and can often be avoided with early treatment. With the right care, many people make a good recovery.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, supporting healing and helping you return to normal activity safely. Your treatment plan will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how long you’ve had them.

Treatment options may include:

• activity modification – reducing or avoiding activities that trigger pain

• physiotherapy – exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the knee

• pain relief medication – such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• ice therapy – applying ice packs to reduce pain after activity

• supportive braces or straps – to reduce strain on the tendon

• shockwave therapy – a non-invasive treatment to stimulate healing in the tendon

• injections – such as steroids or other targeted treatments, used in selected cases

• surgery – rarely needed, but may be considered if symptoms persist despite other treatments

Most people improve with non-surgical treatments, especially when they follow a structured physiotherapy programme. Recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity.

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic specialists and sports doctors are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.