Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
What Is Patellar Tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis, often called “Jumper’s Knee,” is an overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). The patellar tendon plays a key role in leg extension, allowing you to kick, jump, and run. Repeated stress can lead to small tears in the tendon, resulting in pain, inflammation, and weakness.
This condition is especially common in athletes involved in jumping sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and track & field.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Patellar tendonitis develops over time due to repetitive stress and microtrauma. Contributing factors include:
- Sudden increase in training intensity or frequency
- Tight quadriceps or hamstrings, which pull excessively on the tendon
- Muscle imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings
- Improper landing technique during jumping
- Hard playing surfaces
- Inadequate warm-up or poor flexibility
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the kneecap, especially during activity
- Stiffness in the knee when getting up from sitting
- Pain that worsens with jumping, squatting, or climbing stairs
- Swelling or a thickened tendon in chronic cases
- Weakness or difficulty with explosive leg movements
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on:
Physical exam: Tenderness over the patellar tendon and pain with resisted knee extension
Ultrasound or MRI: May be used to confirm tendon thickening, inflammation, or small tears
Treatment
Non-Surgical Options
- Rest and activity modification: Avoid jumping and running until symptoms improve
- Physical therapy:
- Emphasizes eccentric strengthening of the quadriceps
- Focus on flexibility of hamstrings and calves
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medications for pain management
- Patellar tendon strap or taping to reduce strain on the tendon
- Biomechanical evaluation: Correcting alignment or footwear issues
Surgical Options (for chronic, non-responsive cases)
- Arthroscopic debridement: Removal of degenerated tendon tissue
- Open tendon repair: Rarely required and reserved for severe chronic cases
Recovery Timeline
Mild cases:
Improve within 6–8 weeks with rest and therapy
Moderate to chronic cases:
May take 3–6 months or longer
Follow Up:
Athletes should complete a full rehab program before returning to sport
Preventing Recurrence
- Warm up thoroughly before activity
- Incorporate regular flexibility and strengthening exercises
- Gradually increase training volume
- Focus on proper landing mechanics
- Use shock-absorbing footwear
Expert Care at Kerlan Jobe Institute
At Kerlan Jobe Institute, we take a sports medicine-centered approach to managing patellar tendonitis. Our orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists work together to help patients not only heal, but return to high-level function safely and confidently.
Getting You Back in Motion
Surgery is just the beginning. How do you heal, move, and feel when all is said and done?
From NHL and NBA players to weekend warriors, our goal is the same: getting you back to doing what you love.
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“Dr. Kvitne operated on my shoulder 3 years ago and I had a perfect recovery and no problems since and I do not see a scar. He is kind with a great bedside manor and a highly skilled surgeon.”
Dr. Kharrazi truly got me back on my feet—literally.
One year ago, I tore several ligaments in my knee, and now I’m able to do the things I enjoy again.
His expertise, knowledge, and confidence are what made me choose him as my surgeon, and I will always be grateful to him and his entire team. Rudy, his assistant; Norma, who was always so prompt with all of my emails; and Blanca, who helped with forms—each of them made a difference. I can’t thank them enough for being there with me every step of the way.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Kvitne
“My experience with Dr Kvitne was amazing he is a outstanding Doctor what a talented man he is my knee was in such bad shape he did not have much to work with but he got in there and fixed me up there was so much that had to be repaired Dr Kvitne with his knowledge and experience repaired my knee so nicely done I have had knee surgery before but never like this I can’t say enough good things about Dr Kvitne awesome human being as well as a awesome excellent Doctor!!”
Dr. Kharrazi gave me my mobility back
After 2 knee surgeries with other Orthopedics I must say that Dr. Kharrazi is a miracle worker. I have my mobility back and my pain level is so greatly improved. Thanks Dr. K!
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Kerlan-Jobe provides comprehensive orthopaedic care for patients seeking expert treatment for sports injuries, joint pain, and mobility limitations. We offers specialized experience and a patient-first approach designed to support lasting results.
Contact the office to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.