Subjective Examination:
Insidious onset, usually related to increased load usually felt distal to the patella,
With tendinopathy in the mid portion of the patella tendon.
Tendinitis located at the distal tip of the patella.
Osgood-Schlatters at the tibia tubercle, distal tendon attachment.
Pain presents at the start of activity, following activity and is often accompanied by stiffness
It is important to establish the patients full training history where possible
Objective Examination:
Localised to the anterior knee, at the mid portion of the patella tendon
There may be pain on passive stretching
Pain on palpation of patella tendon
Pain on resisted knee extension
Weakness within the quadriceps is also common
Early signs to look out for:
Localised patella tendon pain
Tightness/stiffness during or after activity with little relief from stretching
Pain on jumping, landing, running and going downstairs
References
Image from OpenI – Licensed by CC