Many people who are active in sports are familiar with the problem: when jumping, running or changing direction quickly, pain occurs directly below the kneecap. This is often caused by so-called patella tip syndrome – also known as “jumper’s knee”. The knee pain caused by patellar tendinopathy is often the result of acute overuse: the knee is exposed to too much or too frequent strain without the joint being able to adapt quickly enough.
What is patellar tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy is an injury to the patellar tendon caused by overloading. This tendon connects the kneecap (patella) to the tibia and transmits the force of the thigh muscle to the knee joint.
The tendon can become irritated through repeated, high loads – for example during jumps, sprints or abrupt stops. In the long term, microscopic injuries occur that lead to pain.
Typical symptoms
- Pain below the kneecap, usually felt precisely at the tendon
- Discomfort increases when jumping, climbing stairs or running
- Often initially only after exercise, later also during sport or even at rest
- Stiffness or tenderness in the tendon
Common causes
- Overuse due to sports with a lot of jumping (basketball, volleyball, soccer, athletics)
- Misalignments or muscular imbalances (e.g. shortened thigh muscles, weak gluteal muscles)
- Incorrect technique when landing or running
- Insufficient regeneration between training sessions
- Hard surfaces or incorrect footwear
Diagnosis
An initial assessment is usually carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist. Pain when pressure is applied to the patellar tendon is typical. In some cases, ultrasound or MRI are used to rule out other causes.
Treatment options
The good news: in most cases, patellar tendinopathy can be treated conservatively – i.e. without surgery.
1. adjust load
- Taking a break from sport or reducing the intensity
- Protection without remaining completely immobile
2. physiotherapy
- Eccentric training (targeted strengthening of the thigh muscles)
- Stretching exercises for thigh and calf muscles
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
- Fascia techniques and massages to relax the muscles
3. further measures
- Cold applications in acute phases
- Bandages or tapes to relieve the tendon
- Advice on running technique, footwear and training management
Prevention: how to protect your knees
- Regular stretching of the front and back of the thigh
- Strengthening the core and gluteal muscles for more stability
- Correct warm-up exercises before training
- Plan sufficient regeneration times
- Increase training slowly instead of sudden jumps in load
Conclusion
Patellar tendinopathy is a common symptom of overuse in athletes – especially in jumping and running sports. However, with targeted physiotherapy, training adjustments and prevention, the symptoms can be easily managed.
If you react early and seek professional support, you can avoid long-term damage and return to pain-free sport more quickly.