The quadriceps muscles at the front of your thigh are responsible for some of your most important daily movements — standing, walking, climbing, and straightening your knee. These four powerful muscles connect to the top of the kneecap through the quadriceps tendon. When this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated from overuse, the condition is called quadriceps tendonitis (or “quad tendonitis”).

This condition often develops in athletes or active individuals but can affect anyone whose work or exercise routines involve repetitive knee extension. It typically causes pain just above the kneecap, stiffness in the upper leg, and weakness when straightening the knee.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide precise diagnosis and individualized care for quadriceps tendonitis, helping patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas find relief, restore mobility, and return to activity safely.

What Is Quadriceps Tendonitis?

The quadriceps tendon connects the large thigh muscles — rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius — to the upper part of the kneecap (patella). When you extend your leg or rise from a seated position, this tendon plays a key role in transferring muscular force to the joint.

Quadriceps tendonitis occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or microtears. Over time, untreated inflammation can lead to degeneration of the tendon fibers — a condition known as tendinosis, which takes longer to heal.

The condition may range from mild inflammation to more severe cases that involve partial tearing, especially in individuals who ignore early symptoms or continue high-impact activity.