Patella tendonopathy

The tendon from the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh inserts into the top of the patella (knee cap). It runs around the patella and then connects the patella to the tibial tuberosity just below the front of the knee.

In many ways, this is a similar problem to Achilles tendonopathy with neovascularisation thought to be a component of the problem. Many of the same treatment options are available:

A specific eccentric training programme

Improving general muscular control

Shoe inserts (orthoses)

Shockwave therapy

High volume injections

3D gait analysis can be particularly helpful in identifying the cause of the dysfunction and thus targeting the most appropriate treatment programme.