If you’ve ever felt sharp knee pain after jumping, sprinting, or sudden movements, you may have experienced jumper’s knee, also known as patellar tendonitis. This condition is common in athletes, particularly those who play jumping sports like basketball, volleyball, and track.
In this article, we’ll cover the overview of patellar tendinitis, from its causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. At JIS Orthopedics in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, our team of skilled orthopedic surgeons specializes in treating sports-related injuries and chronic knee conditions.
If you’re struggling with knee pain that’s limiting your daily activities, our experts can create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal and get back to the activities you enjoy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Patellar tendonitis (sometimes called jumper’s knee) is an overuse injury that causes knee pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon, the tissue that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone. When the patellar tendon connects these structures, it allows the quadriceps muscles in the thigh to straighten the leg during running, kicking, or jumping.
Over time, repeated stress on the tendon can cause tiny tears, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced performance. This condition is also referred to as patellar tendinopathy when there is ongoing tendon degeneration rather than just inflammation.
Jumper’s knee symptoms often begin gradually and worsen over time. Common signs include:
Patellar tendonitis develops when the stress on the patellar tendon exceeds its ability to heal. This can result in small tears that progress to chronic tendon damage.
Common causes:
Key risk factors include:
To diagnose patellar tendinitis, a physician will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and perform a physical exam to check for tenderness along the tendon.
Imaging tests may be used for a more detailed evaluation:
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore strength. Options may include:
At JIS Orthopedics, our specialists tailor each treatment plan to your individual needs, helping you safely and gradually increase activity while reducing the risk of further injury.
If left untreated, patellar tendon strain can lead to:
While not every case is preventable, certain steps can reduce the risk of developing jumper’s knee:
If you’re experiencing knee pain that could be related to patellar tendonitis, don’t wait until the condition worsens. At JIS Orthopedics, our knee specialists in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, provide advanced treatments to help athletes and active individuals recover quickly and safely.
Whether you need rehabilitation, physical therapy, or surgical care, our team is here to support your recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get back to doing what you love without pain.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla
If you’re concerned about spinal injury or have questions about spine pain, it’s worth seeking the advice of an expert. Whether you’re dealing with a traumatic injury or a little twinge of pain, an orthopedic specialist can help.
Neck & Spine