Patellar tendinitis

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Patellar tendinitis is a painful condition of the patellar tendon where tiny tears within the tendon attempt to heal themselves but lead to foci of mucoid deterioration within the tendon.

Symptoms of patellar tendinitis

Chronic pain is the main feature of this condition.

Although '-itis' usually implies the the condition is associated with inflammation, in this case there is usually very little inflammation, and it is better to use the word 'tendinopathy' rather than 'tendinitis'.

Back to top

Management of patellar tendinitis

Ultrasound is often used to assess the extent of the damage. Physiotherapy is the first line of management, and possibly a steroid injection, although this is controversial.

In chronic cases the therapist may prescribe extracorporeal shockwave therapy. In some patients the damaged area is surgically removed.

Back to top

A-Z Keywords

Patellar tendinopathy, Mucoid degeneration

Contributions by Experts

Back to top