What is patellar tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis (more accurately termed patellar tendinopathy) is an overuse condition of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the tibia, causing pain at the front of the knee below the kneecap. It is common in athletes performing repeated jumping and sprinting — hence the name "jumper's knee" — and is driven by cumulative tendon load exceeding the tissue's capacity to adapt.

What is the most evidence-supported treatment?

Eccentric and heavy slow resistance loading of the quadriceps and patellar tendon is the most evidence-supported intervention, stimulating tendon remodelling. Acupuncture and dry needling can assist with pain management. Reducing provocative activities during rehabilitation — not eliminating all activity — is an important component of management.

Does rest cure patellar tendinitis?

Rest reduces pain temporarily but does not resolve the underlying tendon pathology. Tendons require load to drive remodelling — complete rest leads to deconditioning without stimulating recovery. Graded loading, progressed at an appropriate rate and guided by a practitioner, is more effective than rest alone.

How long does recovery take?

Patellar tendinopathy typically takes 3–6 months with consistent rehabilitation. Returning to sport before adequate tendon capacity has been restored is a common cause of recurrence. A sport-specific return-to-play programme supervised by a sports therapist or physiotherapist is recommended.

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Patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) is an overuse injury causing pain and tenderness at the patellar tendon below the kneecap, common in athletes and those with repetitive knee loading. Progressive loading physiotherapy,

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Reviewed by Dr. Ian Henderson · Microbiobial Health & Medicine26 March 2026Research-supported

Quick answer

Do any of these feel familiar?

Patellar tendinitis most commonly presents as pain at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap — often described as a sharp or aching discomfort that comes on during or after physical activity
Jumping, squatting, going down stairs, and prolonged sitting with bent knees are frequent triggers
Many athletes notice stiffness and soreness after training that eases with warm-up, only to return worse after cooling down
In more advanced cases, pain can be present during any weight-bearing activity
The condition often frustrates active individuals who find it difficult to reduce the training loads that are contributing to the problem

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Tendinopathy

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

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