Focused shockwave therapy for Patellar tendinopathy.
Patellar tendinopathy is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee. Here is what to look out for, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available — including focused shockwave therapy.
What is patellar tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition that causes pain in the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. It is often associated with activities that involve repeated jumping, running or loading of the knee.
The patellar tendon helps connect the muscles at the front of your thigh to your shinbone and plays an important role in straightening the knee.
Patellar tendinopathy develops when the tendon is repeatedly loaded beyond its current ability to adapt and recover. It is sometimes referred to as “jumper's knee” because it is common in sports involving frequent jumping, although it can affect anyone who places repeated load through the knee.
Symptoms often develop gradually rather than following one specific injury.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of patellar tendinopathy include:
- Pain at the front of the knee, usually just below the kneecap
- Tenderness when pressing on the patellar tendon
- Pain during or after activities such as running, jumping, squatting or climbing stairs
- Stiffness around the knee after periods of rest
- Pain that may initially improve as you warm up but return after activity
- Reduced tolerance for running, jumping or other activities that load the knee
- In more persistent cases, pain during everyday activities
Symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the tendon problem.
Causes
Patellar tendinopathy is generally associated with repeated or increased loading of the patellar tendon.
Factors that may contribute include:
- A sudden increase in sporting or physical activity
- Frequent jumping, running or changes of direction
- Changes in training intensity, volume or frequency
- Returning to sport too quickly after a period of reduced activity
- Reduced strength or conditioning of the quadriceps and lower-limb muscles
- Poor recovery between demanding activities
- Repeated activities that place high loads through the knee
Patellar tendinopathy does not necessarily result from a single injury. It can develop gradually when the demands placed on the tendon exceed its ability to adapt.
Diagnosis
Patellar tendinopathy is usually diagnosed through a clinical assessment.
During a consultation, your clinician will discuss your symptoms, activity levels and medical history before assessing your knee and lower limb.
They may assess:
- The location and nature of your pain
- Tenderness around the patellar tendon
- Knee movement and flexibility
- Quadriceps and lower-limb strength
- Your ability to perform movements such as squats or jumping
- Your movement patterns where appropriate
- How the tendon responds to different types of loading
Imaging is not always necessary. However, an ultrasound or other form of imaging may sometimes be recommended if the diagnosis is unclear or another condition needs to be ruled out.
If you're experiencing persistent pain at the front of your knee, you can arrange a consultation with our Advanced Clinical Pharmacist to discuss your symptoms and have the affected area assessed.
Your Advanced Clinical Pharmacist can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options with you.
Treatment
Treatment for patellar tendinopathy depends on your symptoms, how long you have experienced them and the demands you place on your knee.
Treatment may include:
- Activity modification: temporarily reducing or adapting activities that aggravate your symptoms
- Strengthening exercises: progressive loading of the patellar tendon and surrounding muscles can help improve the tendon's capacity
- Rehabilitation: a structured programme can help you gradually build strength and return to your normal activities
- Physiotherapy: an individualised rehabilitation programme can help manage symptoms and restore function
- Movement and technique: addressing factors that may be contributing to excessive tendon loading
- Pain relief: appropriate pain-relieving medication may help with symptoms; speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you're unsure what is suitable for you
- Focused Shockwave Therapy: may be considered for some people with persistent patellar tendon pain as part of a broader treatment plan
Focused Shockwave Therapy uses targeted acoustic waves to deliver treatment to the affected area. It may be considered for people with persistent patellar tendinopathy, depending on their individual assessment and treatment needs.
Prevention
While patellar tendinopathy cannot always be prevented, you can reduce your risk by managing how quickly you increase the load placed on your tendon.
Helpful measures include:
- Increase running, jumping and sporting activity gradually
- Avoid sudden increases in training intensity, volume or frequency
- Strengthen your quadriceps and lower-limb muscles regularly
- Allow adequate recovery between demanding activities
- Build up gradually when returning to sport after a break or injury
- Pay attention to persistent pain rather than repeatedly training through it
- Maintain appropriate strength and mobility in the lower limb
- Make sure your training programme includes appropriate progression and recovery
If you have persistent, severe or worsening knee pain, seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Book your shockwave assessment.
Start with a £55 initial specialist assessment, or book treatment directly if you already have a confirmed diagnosis.
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