Table of Contents
If front-of-knee pain is getting in the way, this guide explains what the condition is, how we diagnose it, and what we can do for you at RAD Clinics.
Who is this guide for?
Athletes and active adults with pain at the front of the knee (especially with jumping, squatting, or running) who want clear, non‑surgical options and to understand when RAD Clinics offers ultrasound‑guided PRP/HVIGI.
What is a Jumper’s Knee?
Jumper’s Knee is the everyday name for Patellar Tendinitis (also called Patellar Tendinopathy). It’s an overload issue where the patellar tendon linking the kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia) becomes painful, typically at the lower tip of the kneecap, with jumping, landing, decelerating or deep squats.
What are the causes of Patellar Tendinitis?
- Training load spikes: sudden jumps in volume or intensity; frequent plyometrics without enough recovery.
- How you move: hip/glute under‑strength, stiff ankles, landing mechanics that stress the tendon.
- Surface & footwear: hard courts, worn shoes, low shock absorption.
- History & personal factors: prior tendinopathy; active in jumping/stop‑start sports.
- Body factors: low energy availability, smoking, or metabolic contributors.
What are common Patellar Tendinitis symptoms?
- Tenderness at the lower pole of the patella (just under the kneecap).
- Pain with load (jumps, deceleration, stairs, squats) is often easier after warm‑up, then back later.
- Morning stiffness or a short‑lived “start‑up” ache.
- Sometimes a thicker or sore‑to‑press tendon; decline squats are often the most provocative.
How is Patellar Tendinitis diagnosed?
- History + a simple movement that safely brings on your usual pain (for example, a gentle decline squat).
- Tracking severity: VISA‑P score (0–100; lower = worse) to monitor change.
- Imaging when useful: MSK ultrasound may show darker‑looking areas on the scan and new tiny blood vessels (often linked to pain). MRI is reserved for unclear or complex cases.
- We also look at recent training changes, footwear and surfaces.
What non-surgical Jumper’s Knee treatment options exist?
- Load management: avoid sudden spikes; build up gradually.
- Exercise therapy (general info): isometric holds, heavy‑slow resistance (HSR), and decline‑board eccentrics are common in research.
- Helpful extras sometimes discussed: taping/straps; short courses of topical NSAIDs for symptom relief.
- ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy): may be considered in chronic cases via referral, where appropriate.
- Ultrasound‑guided options at RAD Clinics: PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma) and HVIGI (High‑Volume Image‑Guided Injection).
Which options work best and how quickly?
| Option | Primary role | Typical timeline | Evidence snapshot | At RAD Clinics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isometrics | Short‑term pain relief | 1–2 weeks | Useful for pain control in studies | Info only (no in‑house physio) |
| HSR | Strength + tendon capacity | 6–12 weeks | Favourable mid‑term outcomes vs eccentrics alone in some trials | Info only |
| Decline eccentrics | Tendon capacity/collagen alignment | 8–12 weeks | Widely used; benefits are often used as part of broader loading | Info only |
| ESWT | Extra add‑on for chronic cases | 3–6 sessions | Small–variable effects; protocol dependent | By referral |
| PRP (US‑guided) | Helps tissue healing | 6–12+ weeks | Mixed–moderate evidence; some newer trials are positive | Provided |
| HVIGI (US‑guided) | Calms pain‑driving vessels/nerves | 4–8+ weeks | Emerging evidence: case‑selected | Provided |
US‑guided = ultrasound‑guided. Individual responses vary; timelines are typical ranges, not guarantees.
How RAD Clinics personalises Patellar Tendinitis care
- Assess: focused knee exam, ultrasound of the patellar tendon, and context (training load, surfaces).
- Plan: if your pattern fits Patellar Tendinitis and symptoms persist despite sensible load changes, we’ll discuss ultrasound‑guided PRP or HVIGI with benefits, risks and realistic expectations.
- Perform: procedures are done under real‑time ultrasound using a strictly clean technique to reduce infection risk.
- Follow‑up: brief aftercare and a check‑in to review progress and agree on next steps.
When are ultrasound-guided injections appropriate?
- When pain persists despite sensible load changes, and your ultrasound findings align with symptoms.
- PRP can be considered when there’s a focal tendon change, and your sport/life demands remain high.
- HVIGI may be considered when pain‑driving new vessels/nerves are suspected.
- We avoid steroids inside the tendon due to rupture risk; ‘around the tendon’ steroid is uncommon and highly selective.
How long does recovery take?
- Mild: roughly 6–12 weeks.
- Moderate: 3–6 months.
- Chronic: 6–12 months (add‑ons may help if progress stalls).
Return decisions are gradual and based on how your knee feels during and after activity, not just on dates.
Who is suitable and who should avoid certain options?
- Likely suitable: persistent localised patellar tendon pain with compatible ultrasound findings.
- Caution/avoid: significant bleeding disorders or strong anticoagulation (especially for PRP), infection at the injection site, uncontrolled systemic illness, or pregnancy (for ESWT considerations).
Daily actions that improve outcomes
- Pace load: avoid sudden spikes; build in recovery days.
- Fuel well: protein intake often cited at ~1.6–2.2 g/kg/day; add vitamin‑C‑rich foods around strength work.
- Sleep & stress: aim for 7–9 hours; balance life load where possible.
- Surfaces & footwear: where possible, use slightly softer training surfaces and rotate shoes to spread wear.
Key takeaways
- Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinitis) is an overload problem that often improves with smart load management.
- RAD Clinics provides ultrasound‑guided PRP and HVIGI where appropriate.
- Plans are personalised using the clinical picture plus ultrasound, with realistic timelines and follow‑
Common Questions About Jumper’s Knee
What is stage 1 jumper's knee?
Stage 1 jumper's knee refers to early-stage patellar tendinitis, where pain occurs after activity but does not affect daily movement. Rest and rehabilitation exercises are typically effective in this stage.
What can jumper's knee be mistaken for?
Jumper's knee can be mistaken for conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, quadriceps tendinitis, or bursitis due to similar knee pain symptoms. Accurate diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and imaging if necessary.
How long does patellar tendinitis last?
Patellar tendinitis usually lasts a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity and treatment. With early intervention, most patients recover within 4-6 weeks.
What not to do with a jumper's knee?
Avoid activities that strain the knee, such as jumping, running, or heavy lifting. Also, refrain from ignoring pain or continuing sports without proper rest and rehabilitation to prevent further injury.
References
- Theodorou A. Patellar tendinopathy—prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023.
- Coombes BK, et al. Single-leg decline squat in patellar tendinopathy. Phys Ther Sport. 2020.
- Arias-Buría JL, et al. Ultrasound characterisation in non-elite players with painful PT. 2020.
- Korakakis V, et al. Evaluating tendinopathy with VISA questionnaires. KSSTA. 2021.
Disclaimer RAD Clinics currently provides ultrasound scan and ultrasound guided injection services only. Other other tests, investigations and scans mentioned here, are not available at RAD Clinics at this time. The information provided is for general educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from your GP or healthcare provider.
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