Your knee relies on strong tendons to connect muscles to bone and enable movement. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, the condition is known as knee tendonitis — also called patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee when affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
Knee tendonitis is most common in athletes, active adults, and individuals who perform repetitive motions such as jumping, squatting, or climbing. However, it can also affect anyone with muscle imbalance, improper footwear, or joint misalignment.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas overcome knee tendonitis through precise diagnosis and tailored treatment designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility.
Tendons are thick cords of connective tissue that anchor muscles to bones. The knee’s most important tendons include:
- Patellar tendon: Connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia).
- Quadriceps tendon: Connects the thigh muscles to the top of the kneecap.
When these tendons are overused or subjected to repetitive stress, tiny tears can develop within the tissue — leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased strength. Over time, this inflammation can become chronic, resulting in degenerative changes called tendinosis.
Knee tendonitis typically develops due to overuse, repetitive motion, or poor biomechanics.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive jumping or running: Sports like basketball, volleyball, or track place high stress on the patellar tendon.
- Sudden increase in training intensity: Overloading the tendon without gradual conditioning.
- Muscle imbalance: Weak quadriceps or tight hamstrings can alter knee mechanics.
- Arthritis or prior injury: Chronic joint inflammation makes tendons more susceptible.
Risk factors include:
- Athletic participation (especially jumping or pivoting sports)
- Age 30–50 (when tendon flexibility decreases)
- Poor flexibility or inadequate warm-up
- Obesity or added load on the knee joint
- Occupations involving frequent squatting or climbing
The symptoms of knee tendonitis usually develop gradually but can worsen over time without proper care.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness below or above the kneecap
- Swelling or warmth over the tendon
- Stiffness that worsens after activity
- Sharp pain when squatting, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Weakness or buckling sensation in the knee
- Pain that lingers after rest or sitting
Mild tendonitis may only cause discomfort during activity, while chronic cases can limit walking or standing.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a comprehensive examination to determine the exact cause and severity of knee tendonitis.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history: Discussion of pain onset, activity level, and past injuries.
- Physical examination: Evaluates tenderness, range of motion, and muscle strength.
- Functional testing: Identifies movement patterns or imbalances contributing to strain.
- Imaging studies:
- Ultrasound: Detects tendon thickening, tears, or inflammation.
- MRI: Confirms structural damage and differentiates between tendonitis and other knee conditions.
- Accurate diagnosis allows Dr. Burke to tailor a treatment plan that targets the root cause of pain rather than just the symptoms.
Treatment for knee tendonitis focuses on reducing inflammation, strengthening the tendon, and preventing recurrence.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Limiting high-impact activities and avoiding repetitive stress.
- Cold therapy: Ice packs reduce swelling and pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: NSAIDs alleviate discomfort during flare-ups.
- Bracing or taping: Supports the patellar tendon and offloads strain.
- Eccentric strengthening exercises (controlled muscle lengthening) to promote tendon healing.
- Flexibility and mobility training for hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps.
- Posture and movement retraining to improve biomechanics.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections use your body’s natural growth factors to stimulate repair and reduce chronic inflammation.
- Ultrasound or electrical stimulation: Used in therapy to increase blood flow and tissue regeneration.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative measures fail after several months or tendon degeneration is severe, surgery may be necessary.
Dr. Burke specializes in minimally invasive techniques such as:
- Removes damaged tissue and stimulates new tendon growth.
- Reattaches torn tendon fibers to restore strength and stability.
These approaches promote healing while minimizing downtime and scarring.
The recovery timeline for knee tendonitis depends on the severity and treatment approach.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Mild cases: 4–6 weeks of rest and therapy.
- Chronic tendonitis: 2–3 months of structured rehabilitation.
- Surgical repair: 3–6 months before returning to full activity.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Reduce inflammation and restore full range of motion
- Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves
- Prevent future flare-ups through movement correction
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, every recovery plan is personalized, ensuring steady progress without re-injury.
Most cases of knee tendonitis respond well to early, consistent treatment. However, if left untreated, chronic inflammation can weaken the tendon and increase the risk of rupture.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up and stretch before activity
- Strengthen lower-body muscles evenly
- Gradually increase workout intensity
- Crosstrain to reduce repetitive impact
- Listen to early warning signs — rest when pain begins
Long-term success depends on maintaining flexibility, strength, and healthy biomechanics.
You should schedule an orthopedic evaluation if:
- Knee pain persists for more than one week
- You experience swelling or tenderness around the tendon
- Pain interferes with walking, climbing, or sports
- Rest and over-the-counter treatments no longer help
- You feel a “snap” or sudden loss of strength (possible tendon rupture)
Early care can prevent further damage and restore strength faster.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If knee pain is holding you back from your active lifestyle, professional treatment can help you recover safely and effectively.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine advanced therapies, precision diagnostics, and compassionate care to treat tendonitis at its source — restoring mobility, stability, and strength.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping patients overcome knee injuries and return to their active lives.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports and overuse injuries.
