Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

Patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the patellar tendon (at the front of your knee) that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia).[3] This tendon works with your quadriceps (thigh) to bend your knee, extending or retracting your lower leg. Injury or overuse can affect that tendon, causing pain during movement.[3]

While patellar tendinitis often starts with mild discomfort, the pain can worsen over time and even interfere with walking, exercise, or daily tasks if left untreated.[4] More severe, chronic cases are sometimes referred to as patellar tendinopathy.[5]

Because patellar tendonitis is usually a sports-related injury caused by knee joint overuse (jumping, running, performing on hard surfaces), it’s called “jumper’s knee”.[3]

Managing jumper’s knee requires a whole-body approach, even if you think just your knee needs the TLC. The sooner you start treatment, the better your odds are for recovery without needing surgery. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function and prevent long-term damage.

At-Home Care:

• R.I.C.E. Method (rest, ice, compression and elevation)
• Gentle stretching and targeted strengthening exercises[c] [7]
• OTC pain relievers like NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) [3]

Conventional Treatments:

• Physical therapy [1]
• Wear a knee brace [3]
• Eccentric training[d] [8]
• Knee taping or patellar straps [8]

Alternative Therapies:

• Shockwave therapy [2]
• Acupuncture

Lifestyle Changes:

• Adjust your workouts
• Avoid activities that put extra weight and stress on your knees
• Improve your posture
• Add cross-training
• Maintain a healthy

Interventional Pain Management

If at home rest and conventional care don’t help, your pain specialist can offer minimally invasive options to help you heal, reduce pain and stay active without long-term medications or surgery. These options focus on calming tendon inflammation and promoting tissue repair around your knee. Your pain specialist may recommend steroid injections or regenerative therapy along with a whole-body approach to improve your recovery results.

Interventional procedures for treating jumper’s knee or patellar tendinopathy pain may include:

• Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Dry needling
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Cryotherapy
• Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections)
• Prolotherapy
• Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)
• Femoral nerve block
• Genicular nerve block
• Dorsal root ganglion block

This approach, especially when paired with lifestyle changes and physical therapy, can significantly reduce the need for long-term medications and help you stay mobile and pain-free.

Is your knee pain interrupting your daily routine, coming back even after it feels better, or not improving with conservative care? If so, it’s time to speak with a pain management specialist about your jumper’s knee. Receiving the right care early can help you avoid long-term tendon damage and stay active without the need for invasive surgery.

Combining treatments such as physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted pain procedures often yields the best results, even for individuals who are not professional athletes. Your pain specialist will create a personalized, whole-body plan to relieve pain, restore strength, and support lasting recovery.

Don’t push through the pain, and don’t let knee pain sideline you for good. With the right care, you can get back to doing what you love, comfortably and confidently.

Disclaimer: This resource provides general information about patellar tendinitis pain. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if your knee pain is sudden and severe, accompanied by swelling, inability to bear weight, or signs of infection like redness, warmth, or fever. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and personalized care.