Patellar Tendinitis – Jumper’s Knee
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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Patellar tendon tendinitis (jumper’s knee) is a common cause of knee pain. The patellar tendon connects the patella to the tibia and is the continuation of the quadriceps muscle. Inflammation of the tendon leads to pain and limited mobility and is usually the result of injury or overuse.
Patellar Tendinitis – Causes
Patellar tendinitis is caused by frequent and repetitive stress on the knee joint. This may be due to activities involving jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, or high jump, or activities that require frequent squatting or knee flexion, such as cycling or weightlifting. In some cases, tendinitis may be caused by a sudden increase in training intensity or volume, which places excessive stress on the tendon and causes inflammation and swelling.
Other risk factors for the development of patellar tendinitis include:
Tight muscles of the lower limbs
Misaligned knee (varus / valgus deformity)
Sports activity with inappropriate footwear
Foot conditions such as flat feet
Patellar Tendinitis – Symptoms
The symptoms of patellar tendinitis may vary in severity depending on the extent of the injury. Common symptoms include:
Pain and tenderness at the front of the knee, near the patella
Swelling and inflammation around the patellar tendon
Stiffness and limited mobility of the knee joint, especially after periods of inactivity
A grinding sensation and a “clicking” sound when bending or straightening the knee
Pain that worsens with activities involving jumping or knee flexion
Pain that improves with rest but may return after resuming activity
If left untreated, patellar tendinitis can lead to a chronic condition that may affect the ability to participate in sports and other activities.
Patellar Tendinitis – Diagnosis
A patient with patellar tendon tendinitis requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. The doctor may perform an ultrasound scan for the final diagnosis and will discuss the recommended treatment options with you. Occasionally, further investigations such as plain X-rays or an MRI scan may be required to investigate other possible causes of the symptoms.
Patellar Tendinitis – Treatment
Rest: Resting the knee joint and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Ice therapy: Applying ice to the knee for 15–20 minutes at a time, 3–4 times per day.
Compression: The use of a patellar brace or a simple elastic bandage helps relieve symptoms.
Physiotherapy: An individualised programme with muscle strengthening exercises.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Injection therapy: In persistent cases, treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP – biological therapies) may be indicated.
Surgical repair: In the rare cases where conservative treatment fails, minimally invasive debridement of the tendinitis provides a definitive solution.
Patellar Tendinitis – When Can I Return to Sports?
Every case is different, and recovery time depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. During recovery, you can try alternative forms of exercise such as swimming. Take the necessary time to recover and do not return to training until you have fully recovered, in order to avoid recurrence. When returning to your sport, it is important to gradually increase intensity, always combined with proper warm-up and stretching.
If you have persistent and severe knee pain, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. For more information and appointments, please contact us.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.