Quick answer. Patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee, is pain in the tendon just below the kneecap caused by overuse from jumping and running. Most cases settle with rest, a gradual loading programme and physiotherapy rather than surgery.
Patellar tendonitis, often called jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury of the patellar tendon – the strong band that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is common in people who play sports involving repeated jumping, sprinting and changes of direction, such as basketball, volleyball, football and running, all popular in Singapore.
The hallmark is pain at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap, that worsens with activity. The good news is that with the right rest and rehabilitation most people recover well. This guide explains the symptoms, why it happens, how it is diagnosed and how it differs from runner’s knee, which causes pain in a slightly different spot.
At a glance
| Feature | Patellar tendonitis | Runner's knee |
|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Just below the kneecap, on the tendon | Around or behind the kneecap |
| Typical trigger | Jumping, explosive sports | Running, stairs, prolonged sitting |
| Tender to press | On the tendon below the kneecap | Around the edges of the kneecap |
| Main treatment | Loading exercises for the tendon, physio | Strengthening hips and thighs, footwear |
| Recovery | Often slower, needs patient rehab | Usually responds well to strengthening |
What is patellar tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis is irritation and damage to the patellar tendon, the band of tissue that links the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the shinbone. Despite the name ending in “-itis”, it is now understood to be more of an overload and degeneration problem in the tendon than simple inflammation.
It is sometimes called jumper’s knee because it is so common in athletes who jump repeatedly. In Singapore it is often seen in keen recreational players of basketball, volleyball, badminton and football, as well as runners who increase their training too quickly.
Symptoms and signs
The pain is usually well localised to the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. Typical features include:
- Pain and tenderness at the lower edge of the kneecap, on the tendon
- Pain that comes on with jumping, running, squatting or going down stairs
- Stiffness in the knee, especially first thing in the morning
- Pain at the start of activity that may ease as you warm up, then return afterwards
- In longer-standing cases, pain even with everyday activities
The knee does not usually lock or give way – those symptoms point more towards a cartilage or ligament problem and should be checked separately.
Causes and risk factors
Patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury, meaning it builds up from repeated stress rather than a single accident. Factors that raise the risk include:
- Sports with a lot of jumping, sprinting or sudden direction changes
- A rapid increase in training load or intensity
- Tight or weak thigh (quadriceps) and calf muscles
- Hard playing surfaces and worn or unsuitable footwear
- Poor jumping or landing technique
Increasing training gradually, warming up properly and keeping the thigh and hip muscles strong all help to prevent it.
How it is diagnosed
Patellar tendonitis is usually diagnosed from your history and a physical examination. The doctor will:
- Ask about your sport, training and when the pain occurs
- Press along the tendon below the kneecap to find the tender spot
- Watch you squat or hop to reproduce the pain
Scans are not always needed, but an ultrasound or MRI may be arranged if the diagnosis is unclear, if the pain is not improving, or to assess how much the tendon is affected before deciding on treatment.
Treatment options
Most people improve without surgery. Treatment focuses on calming the pain and then gradually rebuilding the tendon’s strength:
- Relative rest – cutting back on jumping and high-impact activity rather than stopping all movement
- Ice and simple pain relief for flare-ups
- Eccentric and progressive loading exercises – the cornerstone of treatment, done under guidance to strengthen the tendon
- Physiotherapy to improve thigh, hip and calf strength and correct technique
- In stubborn cases, treatments such as shockwave therapy may be considered, and surgery is reserved for the small number who do not respond to a thorough rehabilitation programme
Because most cases are managed with rest, exercises and physiotherapy rather than a procedure, there is no standard surgical price to quote here. Recovery can take time and patience, so it is worth following the rehab plan consistently.
When to see a doctor and which specialist
See a doctor if knee pain below the kneecap lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps you from your sport or daily activities, or does not improve with rest. Early guidance helps you avoid a long-standing problem.
Seek prompt assessment if the knee locks, gives way, swells suddenly, or you cannot put weight on it – these suggest a different injury such as a meniscus or ligament tear rather than tendonitis. If a knee injury follows major trauma with severe pain or an obvious deformity, go to A&E, and call 995 if you cannot move or are badly hurt.
Knee tendon problems can be managed by an orthopaedic specialist or a sports medicine physician. You can find one through the Best Doctors Singapore directory of orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore or sports medicine physicians in Singapore.
Self-management and rehabilitation at home
Patellar tendonitis usually settles with patience and a steady loading programme rather than complete rest. The tendon responds best to gradual, controlled exercise done consistently over weeks:
- Cut back on jumping and high-impact sport for a time, but keep moving with gentler activity where comfortable.
- Follow your prescribed loading exercises regularly, as these are the cornerstone of recovery.
- Warm up properly before sport and keep your thigh, hip and calf muscles strong and flexible.
- Use ice and simple pain relief for flare-ups.
- Return to your sport gradually, guided by your symptoms rather than a fixed deadline.
What to expect at the appointment
The doctor will ask about your sport and training, press along the tendon below the kneecap to find the tender spot, and may watch you squat or hop to reproduce the pain. An ultrasound or MRI is only arranged if the diagnosis is unclear or the pain is not improving. For stubborn cases, a sports physician or orthopaedic specialist may discuss options such as shockwave therapy, with surgery reserved for the small number who do not respond to thorough rehabilitation.
Common questions
Why is my recovery so slow?
Tendons heal more slowly than muscles, so patellar tendonitis often needs weeks of consistent loading exercises. Stopping the programme too early is a common reason the pain returns.
Should I rest completely until the pain goes?
Usually not. A period of relative rest combined with progressive loading tends to work better than total rest, which can leave the tendon weaker.
Related guides
- Best Orthopaedic Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- orthopaedic clinics directory
- Bladder cancer
- Runner's knee
- Meniscus tear
- Whiplash
- Thyroid cancer
Sources
- NHS – Knee pain
- Mayo Clinic – Patellar tendinitis
- HealthHub Singapore – Sports injuries
- SingHealth – Orthopaedic conditions and treatments
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