Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper's knee)
Patellar tendinopathy, sometimes called jumper's knee, can cause pain just below the kneecap, making activities such as running, jumping, climbing stairs or playing sport increasingly uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms have developed gradually or followed an injury, our specialists are here to help. We'll identify the cause of your symptoms, explain your treatment options clearly and support you throughout your recovery. Early assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms, rule out other knee conditions and guide the most appropriate treatment before symptoms become more persistent.
Specialist expertise
Our experienced knee consultants diagnose and treat the full range of patellar tendon conditions using evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.
Sports medicine experience
We regularly care for everyone from recreational runners to elite athletes, helping people recover safely and return to sport with confidence.
Flexible access to care
Whether you're self-funding, using private medical insurance or have a referral, we'll help you access specialist care as quickly as possible.
What is patellar tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy is a condition affecting the patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone (tibia). This strong tendon plays an important role in straightening the knee and allows you to run, jump, kick and climb stairs. Rather than being caused by inflammation alone, patellar tendinopathy develops when repeated strain causes small areas of damage within the tendon over time. It is most commonly seen in people who take part in sports involving frequent jumping, sprinting or changes of direction, such as basketball, volleyball, football and athletics. It can also affect active people whose training levels have increased too quickly. Because several knee conditions can cause pain at the front of the knee, it's important to have persistent symptoms assessed by a specialist so that the correct diagnosis and treatment plan can be put in place.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
- Pain just below the kneecap
- Pain that becomes worse during or after running, jumping or squatting
- Tenderness over the patellar tendon
- Stiffness when starting activity, particularly after rest
- Reduced strength or confidence when jumping or changing direction
- Difficulty continuing sport or exercise because of pain
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by discussing your symptoms, activity levels and any recent changes to your training or exercise routine. They will then examine your knee, assessing the patellar tendon, knee movement, strength and function.
To confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes of knee pain, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of knee movement and strength
- Functional assessment, such as squatting or jumping movements
- Ultrasound scan to assess the tendon
- MRI scan if further information is needed or if another injury is suspected
How is it treated?
Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms, how long you've had them and the activities you want to return to. Your consultant will explain your options clearly and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Treatment may include:
- Activity modification to reduce strain on the tendon while it recovers
- A structured physiotherapy programme to improve strength, flexibility and tendon loading
- Pain relief where appropriate
- Ultrasound-guided injections in selected cases
- Shockwave therapy for persistent symptoms
- Surgery may be considered if symptoms continue despite a comprehensive course of non-surgical treatment
Treatment routes for Patellar tendinopathy
Most people improve without surgery. A structured rehabilitation programme is the mainstay of treatment and focuses on gradually strengthening the tendon while allowing it to recover. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that are progressed at the right pace for you, helping you return to everyday activities and sport safely.
Additional treatments, such as shockwave therapy or ultrasound-guided injections, may be recommended for some patients if symptoms persist despite rehabilitation.
Recovery goals for patellar tendinopathy
Managing pain and reducing strain on the tendon Maintaining gentle knee movement Beginning carefully supervised strengthening exercises Supporting healthy tendon healing
As your symptoms improve, rehabilitation focuses on:
Increasing strength in the knee and surrounding muscles Improving flexibility and movement Building confidence during everyday activities Gradually increasing activity levels
The final stage of rehabilitation aims to:
Progressively returning to running, jumping and sport where appropriate Improving strength, power and control Restoring confidence during higher-impact activities Reducing the risk of symptoms returning
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places repeated demands on their knees. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport, work and everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments
Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Patellar tendinopathy FAQs
Mild symptoms may improve with rest, but ongoing tendon pain often requires a structured rehabilitation programme. Continuing to train through pain can make recovery take longer, so it's important to seek advice if your symptoms persist.
Recovery depends on how severe the condition is and how long you've had symptoms. Many people notice improvement over several weeks to months with a dedicated physiotherapy programme, although long-standing cases can take longer.
In many cases, yes. Your consultant or physiotherapist may recommend modifying your activities rather than stopping exercise completely. Reducing high-impact activities while continuing appropriate strengthening exercises often supports recovery.
Most people recover without surgery. Surgery is usually only considered when symptoms continue despite a comprehensive programme of physiotherapy and other non-surgical treatments.
Yes. Smoking and vaping can reduce blood flow and slow the body's natural healing process, which may delay tendon recovery and increase the risk of ongoing symptoms. Stopping smoking, or reducing how much you smoke, can help support healing. If you'd like help to quit, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Quit Smoking website.
It can if the tendon is placed under too much strain too quickly. Following your rehabilitation programme, building strength gradually and returning to sport in a controlled way can help reduce the risk of symptoms returning.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
1 of 4