Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
at Foot Foundation
Patellar tendinopathy, often called jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). Repetitive jumping, sprinting, or sudden load changes can cause microtears and degeneration, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced performance.
Although the pain is felt below the kneecap, one of the biggest contributors is often abnormal foot mechanics. Excessive pronation, poor shock absorption, or inappropriate footwear can all increase strain on the patellar tendon.
At Foot Foundation, we target these root causes with custom orthotics, footwear advice, and biomechanics optimisation, alongside structured rehabilitation.
What is Patellar Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). It develops when repetitive loading causes microtears and degeneration of the tendon, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced sporting performance.
Although pain is felt just below the kneecap, one of the biggest contributing factors is often abnormal foot mechanics. Excessive pronation, poor shock absorption, or inappropriate footwear can all increase strain on the patellar tendon.
At Foot Foundation, we focus on foot-driven solutions – optimising biomechanics, prescribing custom orthotics, and ensuring supportive footwear – as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Causes & Risk Factors
Repetitive jumping & landing – basketball, volleyball, netball, football
Running sports – sprinting, distance running, athletics
Excessive pronation – increases internal tibial rotation, altering tendon loading
High arches (cavus foot) – poor shock absorption, greater stress on knees
Hard training surfaces – concrete, artificial turf, indoor courts
Poor footwear – worn-out or unsupportive trainers
Muscle weakness or imbalance – quadriceps overload, weak glutes and hamstrings
Sudden load changes – rapid increase in training intensity or frequency
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Load Management
Gradual reduction of aggravating activities (jumping, sprinting)
Structured return-to-play plan with progressive load increase
Foot & Lower Limb Alignment
Custom orthotics – correct pronation, improve shock absorption, and reduce tendon stress
Footwear advice – recommending cushioned, supportive shoes for sport and training
Rehabilitation
Eccentric strengthening – decline squats, step-downs
Isometric loading – pain control in the early rehab phase
Hip and core strengthening – reduce overload on the knee
Flexibility work – calf, hamstrings, and quadriceps stretching
Adjunct Therapies
Shockwave therapy – effective for chronic tendon pain, stimulating healing
Manual therapy – soft tissue release and mobility work
Taping or strapping – temporary relief during sport
Symptoms
Pain below the kneecap at the tendon attachment
Pain aggravated by jumping, running, squatting, or climbing stairs
Stiffness and aching after activity, sometimes first thing in the morning
Tenderness when pressing on the tendon
Performance decline in sport due to pain and weakness
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical assessment – palpation of the tendon, functional testing (squats, hops)
Gait and biomechanical analysis – identifying foot and lower limb factors contributing to overload
Ultrasound referral – to confirm tendon thickening or degeneration
MRI (if required) – for persistent or complex cases
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) – FAQs
It is caused by repetitive loading of the patellar tendon, often in jumping sports, but foot mechanics and poor footwear also play a role.
Yes. Excessive pronation or poor shock absorption increases rotational stress on the knee and tendon, making foot correction vital.
Orthotics improve alignment, reducing patellar tendon stress by controlling foot and tibial motion.
Yes. Shockwave therapy is an evidence-based treatment for chronic patellar tendinopathy, helping stimulate tendon healing.
Not usually. Symptoms may settle temporarily, but without addressing the underlying load and foot mechanics, it often recurs.
With structured care, most people improve in 6–12 weeks, though chronic cases may take longer.
Sometimes. Load modification is key. Playing through pain without treatment risks chronic tendon degeneration.
Rarely. Surgery is only considered for severe, non-responsive cases after months of structured conservative care.
If pain persists more than 2 weeks, interferes with sport, or worsens with activity, podiatry assessment is essential.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
At Foot Foundation, we focus on foot-driven solutions to jumper’s knee.
Our podiatrists combine:
Custom orthotics
Footwear optimisation
Shockwave therapy
Rehabilitation integration with physiotherapy
This ensures not only pain relief but also long-term tendon health and performance optimisation.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert knee injury care is available across New Zealand.
