Conditions
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Patellar tendinopathy, often called patellar tendinitis, is pain in the tendon that runs from the kneecap to the shinbone. It is known as jumper's knee because it appears in sports with jumps, changes of pace and sudden stops: basketball, volleyball, football, padel, rugby or running. It hurts just below the kneecap when jumping, running, squatting or going downstairs. It responds well to a progressive loading programme, although it requires consistency. Dr Julio De la Morena examines it with ultrasound during the same consultation at Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid).
Common symptoms
- Pain located just below the kneecap.
- Pain at the start of training that may ease once warmed up and worsen afterwards.
- Pain when jumping, squatting or going downstairs.
- Pain after sitting for a long time with the knee bent.
How it is diagnosed
The examination locates the pain in the tendon and reproduces it under load, for example with a single-leg squat. Ultrasound shows thickening of the tendon, degenerated areas, partial tears and increased blood flow, and distinguishes it from other causes of pain at the front of the knee, such as pain from the joint between the kneecap and the thighbone.
Non-surgical treatment
- Progressive loading exercise. Isometrics to calm the pain, then slow heavy strength work and finally jumps and sport-specific movements. This is the basis of treatment.
- Training adjustment without complete rest, which weakens the tendon.
- Review of technique and of the factors that overload the tendon: hip, ankle and training plan.
- Autologous growth factors guided by ultrasound in chronic tendinopathies that have not responded to exercise.
- No corticosteroids into the tendon, because of the risk of weakening it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop playing sport with patellar tendinopathy?
Usually not completely. Load is adjusted so that pain stays tolerable and a specific exercise programme is introduced. Complete rest brings relief, but the pain usually returns when sport is resumed.
How long does patellar tendinopathy take to heal?
Improvement is usually noticed within weeks, but fully restoring the tendon's capacity to tolerate jumping can take several months. Skipping phases is the most common cause of relapse.
Does a patellar strap help?
It can ease pain during activity for some people, but it does not cure the tendinopathy. It is a help while the exercise programme is followed.
Which doctor treats patellar tendinopathy in Madrid?
Dr Julio De la Morena, specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine, at the Regenerative Therapies and Sports Medicine Unit of Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid). Appointments on +34 913 548 990.
Would you like your case assessed?
Examination and ultrasound in the same appointment: you leave with a diagnosis and a plan. First appointment with no commitment to treatment: if nothing is indicated, we tell you.
Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón · Pozuelo de Alarcón · +34 913 548 990 · Mon–Fri, 3 pm to 9 pm
Written and reviewed by Dr Julio De la Morena Garzón, specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Madrid Medical Council no. 281903698). Last reviewed: October 2026. General information that does not replace a medical consultation.