Question 1

What's the difference between quadriceps tendinitis and patellar tendinitis?

Accepted Answer

Both are forms of 'jumper's knee' but affect different tendons. Quadriceps tendinitis causes pain ABOVE the kneecap where the quadriceps tendon attaches. Patellar tendinitis (more common) causes pain BELOW the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches. They have similar causes (jumping, running, overuse) and similar treatment approaches (eccentric exercises, load management). The quadriceps tendon connects your thigh muscles to the top of the kneecap, while the patellar tendon connects the bottom of the kneecap to your shin bone. Both are part of the same functional unit that straightens your knee.

Question 2

Why do eccentric exercises work better than regular strengthening?

Accepted Answer

Eccentric exercises involve lengthening the muscle-tendon unit while it's under load (like slowly lowering during a squat). This type of loading specifically stimulates tendon remodeling and collagen alignment better than concentric (shortening) exercises. Research shows eccentric training increases tendon strength and thickness, improves the organization of collagen fibers, and reduces pain. The mechanism isn't fully understood, but it appears that controlled eccentric loading creates just the right amount of mechanical stimulus to promote healing without overwhelming the damaged tendon. Most successful tendinopathy programs are based around progressive eccentric loading over 12+ weeks.

Question 3

Can I still exercise with quadriceps tendinopathy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you need to manage load carefully. Complete rest usually makes things worse by weakening the tendon. Instead, follow the 'traffic light' approach: Avoid activities that cause sharp pain or pain lasting more than 24 hours (red light). Activities causing mild discomfort during exercise that settles quickly are acceptable (orange light). Pain-free activities can be continued or increased (green light). Swimming and cycling are usually good alternatives to maintain fitness while reducing tendon load. The key is finding the sweet spot where you're loading the tendon enough to stimulate healing but not so much that you cause further damage. Your physiotherapist can help fine-tune this.

Question 4

How long until I can return to sport?

Accepted Answer

Most athletes can return to sport in 3-6 months with proper rehabilitation. Early-stage tendinopathy (caught within first few months) may resolve in 2-3 months. Chronic cases (6+ months of symptoms before treatment) often take 4-6 months or longer. The timeline depends on how consistently you do your eccentric exercises, how well you manage training load, and how severe the tendon damage is. Don't rush back - returning too early is the most common reason for recurrence. You should be pain-free with daily activities, have completed a progressive return-to-running and jumping program, and be able to perform sport-specific drills without pain before returning to competition.

Question 5

Will it come back after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Recurrence is possible, especially if you return to sport too quickly or don't address the factors that caused it initially (training errors, biomechanical issues, muscle imbalances). About 20-40% of people have recurrent symptoms. You can reduce this risk by continuing maintenance strengthening exercises 2-3 times per week even after symptoms resolve, managing training load carefully (avoid sudden spikes), maintaining good flexibility and hip/core strength, and addressing any movement faults. If symptoms start to creep back, reduce aggravating activities early and return to your eccentric exercise program before it becomes a major problem again.

Medical Disclaimer

Quadriceps Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee at Thigh)

📖What is Quadriceps Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee at Thigh)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention