Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendinitis, commonly called jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays an essential role in knee extension and allows you to run, jump, squat, and straighten your leg. When the tendon becomes overloaded through repeated activity, it can develop small areas of damage that lead to pain and reduced performance.
This condition is most common in athletes who participate in sports that involve frequent jumping, sprinting, or rapid changes in direction, such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field. However, it can also affect active individuals who suddenly increase their training intensity or physical workload.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinic locations in Farragut North, Navy Yard, and Friendship Heights in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide individualized treatment for patellar tendon injuries. Therapy focuses on reducing pain, restoring tendon strength and function, correcting movement mechanics, and helping patients safely return to activity.
Understanding the Patellar Tendon
The patellar tendon is part of the knee’s extensor mechanism and works with the quadriceps muscles to allow the knee to straighten. It connects the kneecap to the shinbone and absorbs large forces whenever the knee extends during activities such as jumping, sprinting, or climbing stairs.
Patellar tendinitis develops when repeated stress causes small tears within the tendon. Over time, the tendon tissue may begin to degenerate. Because of this, the condition is often referred to as patellar tendinopathy or patellar tendinosis rather than simple inflammation.
Instead of inflammation alone, the main issue is usually structural weakening of the tendon fibers, which leads to pain and reduced ability to tolerate load.
Common Causes of Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendon injuries usually develop gradually as a result of repeated strain on the tendon.
Repetitive Jumping or Running
Sports that involve repeated jumping and landing place significant stress on the patellar tendon. Basketball and volleyball are two of the most common sports associated with this injury.
Sudden Increase in Training
Increasing training intensity, duration, or frequency too quickly can overload the tendon before it has time to adapt.
Muscle Imbalances
Imbalances in the muscles surrounding the knee and hip can increase stress on the tendon.
Common examples include
• Tight quadriceps or hamstrings
• Weak quadriceps muscles
• Weak gluteal or hip stabilizing muscles
Biomechanical Factors
Movement patterns and structural differences can also contribute to tendon overload.
Examples include
• Excessive inward rolling of the foot
• Poor kneecap tracking
• Altered lower limb alignment
Training Surface
Running or jumping on hard surfaces increases the amount of force transmitted through the knee joint.
Improper Footwear
Worn out or unsupportive shoes may change movement mechanics and increase strain on the knee.
Signs and Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis
Symptoms of patellar tendinitis usually develop gradually rather than after a single injury.
Common symptoms include
• Pain directly below the kneecap
• Tenderness along the patellar tendon
• Pain during jumping, running, or squatting
• Pain when climbing or descending stairs
• Pain after activity or exercise
• Knee stiffness after rest or in the morning
• Discomfort when kneeling
• Early symptom relief after warm up followed by worsening pain with continued activity
If symptoms are ignored and activity continues at the same level, the tendon may become weaker over time. In rare cases severe degeneration can lead to partial or complete tendon rupture.
How Patellar Tendinitis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
A physical therapist may assess
• Symptom history and activity patterns
• Tenderness along the patellar tendon
• Knee range of motion
• Strength of the quadriceps, hips, and core muscles
• Movement patterns during squatting, running, or jumping
• Flexibility of surrounding muscles
In some cases imaging may be used
X rays may be used to rule out bone problems.
Ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate tendon structure and confirm tendon degeneration.
However, movement assessment and clinical examination are often the most important components of diagnosis.
Physical Therapy for Patellar Tendinitis
Physical therapy is considered the most effective treatment for patellar tendon injuries because it addresses the underlying mechanical causes of tendon overload.
At Rose Physical Therapy, rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient’s symptoms, activity level, and goals.
Load Management
Reducing or temporarily modifying activities that aggravate symptoms allows the tendon to begin healing while maintaining general fitness.
Pain Management
Therapeutic techniques may be used to reduce discomfort and help the knee tolerate movement during recovery.
Eccentric Strength Training
Eccentric exercises, where the muscle lengthens while under tension, are a key component of patellar tendon rehabilitation. These exercises help stimulate tendon remodeling and improve its ability to tolerate load.
Quadriceps Strengthening
Strengthening the quadriceps helps the muscles absorb more force during movement, which reduces stress placed directly on the tendon.
Hip and Core Strengthening
Improving strength in the hips and core supports proper lower limb alignment and helps reduce abnormal forces on the knee.
Flexibility and Mobility Training
Stretching tight muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves can improve movement efficiency and reduce tendon strain.
Biomechanical Retraining
Physical therapists evaluate movement patterns and provide instruction on proper technique during activities such as running, jumping, and squatting.
Sport Specific Rehabilitation
As symptoms improve, rehabilitation progresses to exercises that mimic the demands of a patient’s sport or activity.
Home Exercise Program
Patients receive a structured exercise plan to continue strengthening and tendon adaptation between therapy sessions.
Patellar Tendinitis Treatment in Washington, DC
Patellar tendon injuries can significantly affect athletic performance and everyday movement, but most people recover well with the right rehabilitation program.
At Rose Physical Therapy, individualized treatment programs help restore tendon strength, improve movement mechanics, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you are experiencing persistent pain below the kneecap, schedule an evaluation at one of the Washington, DC clinic locations
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Rose Physical Therapy provides expert care designed to reduce knee pain, restore function, and help patients return safely to sports and active lifestyles.