Quadriceps tendinopathy is an overuse condition, where the attachment of the quadriceps tendon to the upper pole of the patella (kneecap) becomes painful.
Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
What causes quadriceps tendinopathy?
In quadriceps tendinopathy repetitive jumping, with bending and straightening of the knee, overloads the quadriceps tendon.
It is quite frequent in athletes but may be also be seen in non-athletes who may do such activities at work or during leisure activities.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...quadriceps tendinopathy is an important cause of anterior knee pain, that is most commonly seen in athletes due to chronic degenerative tendon changes from repetitive loading, stress, and extension of the knee"
Citation: King D, Yakubek G, Chughtai M, Khlopas A, Saluan P, Mont MA, Genin J. Quadriceps tendinopathy: a review-part 1: epidemiology and diagnosis. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Feb;7(4):71. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.01.58. PMID: 30963066; PMCID: PMC6409230.
How is quadriceps tendinopathy diagnosed?
Despite quadriceps tendinopathy being an important cause of anterior knee pain, it may be difficult to distinguish from other causes by examination alone.
Usually the doctor orders an utrasound scan or MRI scan. Doppler examination may also be useful.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...symptomatic patients have consistently revealed morphologic changes of localized tendon thickening, hypoechoic areas, and increased vascularity..."
Citation: King D, Yakubek G, Chughtai M, Khlopas A, Saluan P, Mont MA, Genin J. Quadriceps tendinopathy: a review-part 1: epidemiology and diagnosis. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Feb;7(4):71. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.01.58. PMID: 30963066; PMCID: PMC6409230.
How do you treat quadriceps tendinopathy?
The condition may settle within a few weeks simply with stopping or reducing the repetitive activity, icing the area after any sessions, anti-inflammatories and simple physiotherapy. If this does not help then the doctor may inject the area with PRP.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...Arthroscopic and open surgical procedures have shown good outcomes in patients with severe symptoms who have failed non-operative treatment...."
Citation: King D, Yakubek G, Chughtai M, Khlopas A, Saluan P, Mont MA, Genin J. Quadriceps tendinopathy: a review, part 2-classification, prognosis, and treatment. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Feb;7(4):72. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.01.63. PMID: 30963067; PMCID: PMC6409233.
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