Which specialist treats patellar tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis, also called jumper's knee or patellar tendinopathy, affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Repeated jumping, sprinting, or loading can make the tendon painful. The clinician assesses the tender area, strength, flexibility, training changes, and function to distinguish it from other causes of knee pain or kneecap pain.

Treatment focuses on changing load rather than complete inactivity. Physiotherapy can build a staged programme from tolerable movements to strength training rehabilitation and sport-specific loading. Shockwave therapy or PRP injection may be discussed in selected persistent cases, but suitability depends on examination and previous care. Returning to full jumping before strength and symptoms improve can prolong irritation.

Arrange review when pain limits stairs, training, work, or ordinary walking, or continues despite activity modification. Seek urgent care after a sudden snap with marked weakness or inability to straighten the knee, because this can indicate a more serious tendon injury.

Ask how tendon pain should be monitored, which loads to pause, how progression will be measured, and whether shockwave therapy or PRP injection fits your situation.