Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly called jumper’s knee, is pain in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin bone. It is most common in jumping and change-of-direction sports such as basketball, volleyball, and netball. It responds best to a structured, progressive loading program rather than rest alone.
Understanding the Condition
Tendinopathy develops when the tendon is loaded faster than it can adapt, leading to pain and reduced capacity. The tendon doesn’t recover well with rest alone — it needs the right amount of progressive load to rebuild its strength and tolerance.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Tenderness over the patellar tendon
- Pain that warms up with activity but returns afterward
- Discomfort with jumping, landing, squatting, and stairs
- Stiffness after sitting or in the morning
Causes and Risk Factors
- Repetitive jumping and landing
- Sudden increases in training load
- Reduced lower limb strength
- Tight or weak quadriceps and calves
- Rapid return after a layoff
Assessment
- History: Activity, load patterns, and symptom behaviour
- Examination: Tendon tenderness and pain provocation tests
- Strength and function testing: Identifying deficits
- Load assessment: Understanding training demands
Physiotherapy Treatment
Progressive Loading
- Isometric exercises for early pain relief
- Progressive strengthening of the tendon and quadriceps
- Building tendon capacity in stages
- Energy-storage and plyometric loading for sport
Load Management
- Modifying training to control symptoms
- Structured progression back to jumping and sport
- Education on managing tendon pain
Addressing Contributing Factors
- Hip, calf, and lower limb strengthening
- Movement and landing mechanics
- Footwear and surface considerations
Why Patience Matters
Tendons adapt slowly. Following the loading program consistently — even when progress feels gradual — produces far better long-term outcomes than rest or repeated short fixes.
Expected Outcomes
With a well-structured loading program, most athletes return to full sport with a stronger, more resilient tendon and effective strategies to prevent recurrence.
