Patellar Tendinitis Grade 3 – Stage 1

Patellar Tendinitis Grade 3 - Stage 1

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

Previous step

Cut running to an absolute minimum, or preferably stop running and cross train with activities which do not aggravate the condition. Running in water is often a good replacement.
Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ and ‘OPTIONAL’ video advice below.
Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here), if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture can be very helpful.
Ice the area 2-3 times per day, and intersperse this with contrast hydrotherapy 2-3 times per day (see videos below).
Taping the kneecap may also help to reduce the symptoms as you heal (see videos below).
When things start to settle make sure you follow the correct protocol for introducing running again (video), and move on to Stage 2 of rehabilitation.

Patella tendinitis can be confused with many other knee conditions. Ensure you seek advice from your doctor or sports therapist.