Quadriceps Tendonitis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Quadriceps tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle(the big muscle on the front of your thigh) to the patella( kneecap). It commonly results from overuse, repetitive jumping, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms include pain above the kneecap, swelling, and stiffness. Treatment involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.
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The quadriceps tendon is a strong band of fibrous tissue that links the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh to the top of the kneecap (patella). These muscles play a key role in movements that straighten the knee, such as running, jumping, and kicking. Overuse or repetitive strain in sports can cause inflammation of this tendon, a condition known as quadriceps tendonitis.
What causes Quadriceps Tendonitis?
Quadriceps tendonitis is typically an overuse injury that develops from repetitive strain on the quadriceps tendon, especially in sports that involve frequent jumping or powerful knee extension.
It often occurs when athletes skip proper warm-ups, suddenly increase training intensity, or perform repetitive knee-stressing movements. The condition is also more common in older athletes, as aging tendons are more prone to irritation and small tears.
- How the Injury Occurs: The injury happens when the quadriceps tendon is repeatedly overloaded, particularly during jumping, sprinting, or rapid deceleration. This constant tension leads to small microtears, inflammation, and pain just above the kneecap. Weak thigh muscles, tight hamstrings, or poor technique can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Common Everyday Causes: Quadriceps tendonitis can develop from everyday activities that strain the knees, such as frequent stair climbing, squatting, or lifting heavy objects. It may also affect individuals with occupations requiring repetitive knee bending or standing for long periods, such as construction workers or warehouse employees.
Quadriceps Tendonitis Is Common in These Sports:
- Running: Continuous knee extension and impact during long-distance running places repetitive strain on the tendon.
- Basketball: Frequent jumping, sprinting, and abrupt stops overload the quadriceps and tendon attachment.
- Soccer: Powerful kicks and sudden directional changes stress the tendon repeatedly.
- Volleyball: Constant jumping and landing motions cause repetitive impact on the knee joint.
- Track & Field (Long Jump/High Jump): Explosive leg movements and high-impact landings heighten tendon stress.
Symptoms
Quadriceps tendonitis primarily causes pain above the kneecap, where the quadriceps tendon attaches to the patella. The discomfort may start as mild soreness and worsen with activity or continued strain.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain that is worse with activity: Discomfort increases during sports or exercise involving knee movement.
- Pain when straightening the knee: Sharp pain occurs when extending the knee from a bent position.
- Pain with running or jumping: Activities requiring powerful knee extension often aggravate the tendon.
- Stiffness or tightness in the front thigh: The muscles may feel tense, especially after rest or early in the day.
When to see a doctor
If you have pain above your kneecap that doesn’t improve, visit your doctor to check quadriceps tendonitis treatment options. They will ask questions about your symptoms and examine your knee to determine whether quadriceps tendonitis is responsible for your pain or if you may have a more serious injury.
The physical exam will include checking the range of motion in your knee and assessing tenderness around your knee. Your doctor may also ask you to extend your leg in front of you while sitting to check your quadriceps tendon function. Sometimes, your doctor will order an X-ray to rule out a fracture or an MRI to check for a quadriceps tendon tear.
Non-operative treatment
Quadriceps tendonitis is almost always managed with conservative, non-surgical treatment. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore normal tendon function.
Common treatment methods include:
- Rest from your sport: Avoid activities aggravating knee pain until inflammation subsides.
- Icing above the knee: Apply ice packs daily to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin help ease pain and inflammation.
- Knee taping or bracing: Provides additional support to the tendon and helps reduce strain during movement.
- Physical therapy: Includes stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and tendon resilience.
If symptoms persist despite these treatments, your doctor may recommend a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the tendon.
Try these exercises to help address your condition:
Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program
Recovery
Most athletes have a relatively quick recovery after quadriceps tendonitis. The best things you can do to get back in the game sooner is to identify quadriceps tendonitis early, give yourself adequate rest from your sport, and adhere to physical therapy recommendations. It’s important to wait to be pain-free before you begin to play. To avoid a quad strain, focus on warm-up and stretching before and after play.
Dr. Jay Kimmel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder and knee disorders. He completed his orthopedic training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Temple University.
Dr. Kimmel previously served as the Director of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital and has held faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience caring for athletes as a team physician for high school and collegiate programs and continues to teach in the athletic training departments at Westfield State University and Springfield College.
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/MonthFrequently Asked Questions
What causes Quadriceps Tendonitis?
- Overuse in sports (volleyball, soccer, running) with sudden jumps, pivots, or sprints.
- Training errors: Excessive intensity, frequency, or duration.
Does compression help?
Yes—a quad-specific brace or sleeve provides cushioning, stability, and faster recovery by reducing tendon strain.
How to prevent Quadriceps Tendonitis?
- Space out high-impact training (running/jumping) from heavy strength sessions.
- Gradually increase activity to avoid tendon overload.
- Strengthen quads & hips to improve load distribution.
What are the early signs of quadriceps tendinopathy above the patella?
Early signs include pain and tenderness in the front of the knee, especially when climbing stairs, squatting, or after intense physical activity. You may also feel stiffness or discomfort during movement.