Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)

Knee pain that worsens with activity can make sports, exercise and even everyday movement difficult and frustrating. Jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendinitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone. With the right care, most people find relief, restore strength and safely return to the activities they enjoy.

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Detailed diagram of the human knee joint with labeled structures including the patella and ligaments.

Anatomy of the knee

The patellar tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the kneecap, or patella, to the shinbone, known as the tibia. This tendon works together with the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh to straighten the knee, allowing you to jump, run, kick and climb stairs.

Every time you jump, land or change direction, the patellar tendon absorbs significant force. Because it's used constantly during high-impact activities, it's especially vulnerable to overuse and strain. Without adequate rest and recovery, the tendon can become inflamed, and small tears may develop over time, leading to jumper's knee.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing jumper's knee if you notice:

Pain or tenderness just below the kneecap
Discomfort during or after activity, especially jumping or kneeling
Stiffness in the knee, particularly after periods of rest
Rarely, mild swelling around the patellar tendon

Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen over time if the tendon continues to be stressed.

Causes

Jumper's knee most often develops from repetitive stress rather than a single injury. Common causes include:

Sports that involve frequent jumping, such as basketball, volleyball and track
Repetitive running, sprinting or sudden changes in direction
Inadequate stretching or muscle imbalance in the quadriceps, hamstrings or calves
Training errors, including rapid increases in activity intensity or frequency
Rarely, an acute tendon injury that doesn't heal properly

Risk factors

Certain factors can make you more likely to develop jumper's knee, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll experience this condition:

Participating in sports with frequent jumping or quick direction changes
Muscle imbalance or tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings or calves
Rapid increases in training intensity or frequency
Inadequate stretching or warm up before activity

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a careful review of your symptoms, activity level and medical history, followed by a physical examination of the knee. Imaging studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. X-rays help ensure there are no bone-related issues, such as fractures or bone spurs, while MRI scans can show degenerative changes or thickening in the patellar tendon. We explain your results clearly so you understand what's causing your pain and how it can be treated.

Side by side comparative medical illustrations of a knee joint with arthritis.

Common causes of knee pain

This video explains common conditions that can lead to knee pain and helps you understand what may be causing your symptoms.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

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