Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Patellar Tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy causes pain below the kneecap with jumping or running. Learn about symptoms and diagnosis with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is patellar tendinopathy?

An overuse tendon injury just below the kneecap that causes front-of-knee pain with jumping, running, squatting, or stairs. Most cases improve with progressive tendon loading and activity modification, with orthobiologic injections considered when symptoms persist despite a well-run rehabilitation program.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Knee condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is patellar tendinopathy treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: For persistent patellar tendinopathy after a clear diagnosis, Dr. Tortland may discuss PRP treatment or selected prolotherapy/prolozone. Evidence is mixed and no injection replaces progressive tendon-loading rehabilitation; treatment is individualized to symptoms, sport demands, and tendon findings.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Physical therapy typically uses a structured progression of isometric, heavy-slow resistance, or other clinician-guided loading, along with training-volume adjustments and gradual return to jumping. Relative rest from the most provocative loads can help without prolonged complete inactivity.

When other care may be needed: Sudden loss of active knee extension, a pop with major swelling, or inability to bear weight needs prompt assessment for a significant tear. Persistent symptoms warrant reassessment of loading and diagnosis.

Common questions

Questions about patellar tendinopathy

What causes patellar tendinopathy?

It is usually an overuse injury. Repeated jumping, running, squatting or stair climbing loads the tendon below the kneecap faster than it can adapt, especially after a sudden increase in training, with stiff or weak thigh and hip muscles, or with poor landing mechanics.

What are the symptoms of patellar tendinopathy?

Pain just below the kneecap with jumping, sprinting, squatting or stairs, often with stiffness or soreness after sitting or the day after activity. Early on the pain may ease once warmed up; as it progresses it can limit sport and daily activity.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for patellar tendinopathy?

Most people improve with progressive tendon loading (guided strengthening), load management, relative rest from aggravating activity, and attention to hip and ankle mechanics. Taping, a patellar strap or footwear changes may help. Ice and anti-inflammatory medicine may ease symptoms but do not retrain the tendon.

What regenerative options may help patellar tendinopathy?

If symptoms persist despite a well-run rehabilitation program, Dr. Tortland may discuss ultrasound-guided orthobiologic injections such as PRP. Injections are meant to support, not replace, loading-based rehabilitation, and research on results is still evolving, so options are reviewed with you after examination.