Patella Tendinopathy

Question 1

What is patellar tendinopathy commonly known as?

Answer 1

Jumper’s knee.

Question 2

Where is pain localised in patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 2

At the patellar tendon, particularly near the inferior pole of the patella.

Question 3

What type of injury is patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 3

An overuse injury.

Question 4

What is a common cause of patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 4

Repetitive overload of the patellar tendon.

Question 5

How does muscle weakness contribute to patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 5

Weak supporting muscles like the quadriceps increase strain on the tendon.

Question 6

What is often combined with overload to cause patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 6

Muscle weakness or imbalance.

Question 7

What activities commonly aggravate patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 7

Jumping, landing, running, or stair climbing.

Question 8

What incidental activity can also trigger patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 8

Moving heavy loads, such as during house-moving.

Question 9

How does patellar tendinopathy present during a subjective assessment?

Answer 9

Pain during and after activity, worsening with repeated sessions.

Question 10

Why is patellar tendinopathy difficult to treat?

Answer 10

Progress is often slow and inconsistent.

Question 11

What is a key anatomical change in patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 11

Collagen disorganisation within the tendon.

Question 12

What is a common finding during palpation in patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 12

Pain at the patellar tendon or its attachment to the patella.

Question 13

What strength test is important for patellar tendinopathy assessment?

Answer 13

Quadriceps strength testing..

Question 14

What functional test can reproduce pain in patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 14

Decline squats on a 20° board.

Question 15

What movement test can identify pain related to landing activities?

Answer 15

Hop testing.

Question 16

What subjective history should you gather for diagnosis?

Answer 16

Details of increased activity levels, pain triggers, and functional impact.

Question 17

What type of overtraining is a common trigger?

Answer 17

A sudden increase in training intensity or volume.

Question 18

Which sports are particularly associated with patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 18

Basketball, volleyball, and athletics involving jumping or landing.

Question 19

What biomechanical factors can predispose to patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 19

Poor lower limb alignment and tight quadriceps or hamstrings.

Question 20

What is the goal of progressive loading in treatment?

Answer 20

To adapt and strengthen the tendon without overloading it.

Question 21

What key activity modifications are recommended for patients?

Answer 21

Reducing high-impact activities like jumping or heavy stair use temporarily.

Question 22

How to explain to patient why they got patella tendinopathy

Answer 22

It happens when the tendon is overloaded—either from doing too much activity too quickly or from weakness in the muscles that support your knee. Over time, this can lead to small changes in the tendon that cause pain, especially when you’re active.

Question 23

General Notes for the First Session?

Answer 23

Avoid any exercises that increase pain above 3/10 on a pain scale.

Focus on slow, controlled movements.

Use isometric holds to manage pain and build tolerance.

Ensure proper technique and avoid compensatory movements.