Patient Information

Patellar tendinopathy

https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/patellar-tendinopathy

Here we give basic information on patellar tendinopathy and how it is treated. Your physiotherapist may give you additional information to address your specific needs.

For advice about pain relief, speak to your GP.

What is the patellar tendon?

The patellar tendon is a continuation of the thigh muscles (quadriceps) at the front of your thigh. It attaches the muscles and kneecap (patella) to the top of your shin bone (tibia).

What are the common symptoms?

The common symptoms are:

Pain over patellar tendon
Gradual increase in pain
Pain and/or stiffness after rest
Pain after strenuous activity, such as running or jumping
The affected tendon may seem thickened compared to the unaffected side.

What causes it?

The tendon is injured when it cannot cope with the strain on it. Common reasons for this are:

High volumes of weight bearing exercise, such as running or jumping
Sudden increase in activity or training volume
Being overweight or unfit
Weak knee or hip muscles
Reduced ankle movement.

What can I do?

Simple steps can help reduce the strain on your knee:

Rest – your physiotherapist will tell you how long for
Stop or reduce higher impact activities, such as running or jumping
Try to lose weight if you are overweight. This will help reduce the strain on the tendon
Do gradual strengthening exercises to improve the condition of the tendon – see below.

Strengthening exercises

Because the pain is caused by the tendon not coping with the weight or ‘load’ being put on it, strengthening exercises are recommended.

Your physiotherapist will tell you how long to rest for before you start the exercises.

The exercises are phased. This means that you gradually build up as you get stronger.

Your physiotherapist will tell you when and how to start the exercises, and may also adapt them for your needs. Do not continue them if they significantly increase your pain.

You can move on to each new phase when you feel ready. This is usually if the pain or discomfort is settling within 24 hours.

Phase 1: Straightening knee against band

These exercises involve holding a position.

Sit in a supportive chair.
Loop a resistance band around the leg of the chair and the front of the foot of your affected leg.
Straighten your knee against the resistance of the band. Hold for 15 to 45 seconds.
Repeat this 3 to 5 times.
Repeat 3 times a day.

Phase 2: Double leg wall sit

Stand with your back against a wall and your feet in front of you.
Slide down the wall (to a level you can manage) and hold a seated position for 15 to 45 seconds.
Repeat this 3 to 5 times.
Repeat 3 times a day.

Phase 3: single leg wall sit

Stand with your back against a wall and your feet in front of you. Put your ‘good’ leg further forwards so more weight is on your injured side.
Slide down the wall and hold a seated position for 15 to 45 seconds.
Repeat this 3 to 5 times.
Repeat 3 times a day.

Phase 4: squatting

Stand in front of a chair with feet hip width apart.
Squat down by sitting your hips back, as though going to sit down.
Push back up into standing.
Repeat 8 to 15 times.
Repeat this 3 times, with a 1 minute rest between each set.
Do once a day.

Phase 5: single leg squatting

Stand in front of a chair with feet hip width apart.
Put your ‘good’ leg further forwards so more weight is on your injured side.
Squat down by sitting your hips back, as though going to sit down.
Push back up into standing.
Repeat 8 to 15 times.
Repeat this 3 times, with a 1 minute rest between each set.
Do once a day.

Outpatient Physiotherapy Department

Contacts

Physiotherapy

020 8934 2510 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm),
khft.physioop@nhs.net

Translate

Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation.

Accessibility

Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 8934 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For information accessibility please visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust

Support services

Visit the hospital website, ask a member of staff, or ring us for details.

www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk

Switchboard 020 8546 7711

‘Find Us’ page for maps, transport, registering a blue badge, disabled access
Information, advice and support for patients and relatives (PALS) 020 8934 3993
Pastoral and Spiritual Support 020 8546 7711
Learning Disability Liaison Team 020 8934 6895

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Translate

Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation support to access Patient Information. Please ring the phone number on your appointment letter, if you have one.

Request More Information

Accessibility

Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For detailed information on accessibility at Kingston Hospital visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble (https://www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust).

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS)

PALS provides information, advice and support to patients and relatives.

Email: khft.pals@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8934 3993 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Pastoral and Spiritual Support Service

We offer a multi-cultural approach serving people of all faiths and life philosophies.

Phone the hospital switchboard: 020 8546 7711 and ask for the Duty Chaplain, we are available 24 hours per day 7 days a week.

Learning Disability Liaison Service

We support patients and/or their carers to prepare for a visit, including help to organise reasonable adjustments.

Email: khft.learningdisabilityteam@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8934 6895 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)