What should you know about patellar tendon rupture symptoms?

Patellar tendon rupture symptoms often include sudden knee pain, swelling, and difficulty actively straightening the leg. Some people notice a pop, bruising, a dip below the kneecap, or a feeling that the knee has buckled. Walking may become difficult because the tendon helps connect the thigh muscles to the shinbone.

A complete rupture can interrupt the extensor mechanism, so the leg may not lift straight from a lying position even if the knee can be moved with help. A partial tear may preserve some movement but cause pain and weakness. Swelling can hide the tendon contour, and symptoms can overlap with a kneecap fracture, ligament injury, or severe bruise.

A clinician compares both knees, checks active straightening and stability, and may order an X-ray to look for bone injury. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging can provide more information about the tendon when the examination is unclear.

Stop running, jumping, and forceful bending. Support the leg in a comfortable position, use a prescribed brace or walking aid if available, and arrange prompt orthopaedic review. Do not repeatedly test the knee or begin strengthening exercises before the injury is assessed. If a repair is required, Tendon Repair Surgery is followed by protected movement and a staged plan.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation may later address swelling, range of motion, quadriceps control, balance, and walking. The schedule should follow the repair and the surgeon's restrictions.

Seek urgent care for sudden inability to straighten the leg, a visible deformity, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain after a fall, or an open wound. Get emergency help for a numb or cold foot, uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness. Do not drive if the injured leg cannot control the pedals safely.

Ask whether the findings suggest a partial or complete tear, what other injuries need exclusion, and whether imaging is needed. Ask how to protect the knee now, when weight bearing is allowed, whether Tendon Repair Surgery is appropriate, and what milestones will guide Post-Operative Rehabilitation.