Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Overload of the tendon below the kneecap, common in jumping sports.
Overview
Patellar tendinopathy is irritation of the tendon below the kneecap, common in jumping and change-of-direction sports. It causes pain at the front of the knee with loading and responds well to progressive strengthening.
Symptoms
- Pain at the front of the knee below the kneecap
- Pain with jumping, landing and squatting
- Stiffness at the start of activity
- Tenderness over the tendon
Causes
- High jumping and landing loads
- Sudden increases in training
- Calf and quadriceps overload
Treatment
- Progressive tendon loading programme
- Training and load management
- Addressing strength deficits
- Patience - tendons respond slowly