Patellar tendinopathy and quadriceps tendinopathy are characterized by:
- Pain. The pain occurs in the anterior knee below the kneecap with patellar tendinopathy and in the anterior knee above the kneecap with quadriceps tendinopathy. The pain is often worse with activities such as running, jumping, walking up and down stairs, and squatting, and it can also occur with prolonged sitting.
- Stiffness. The tendon can often feel stiff initially in the morning or after physical activity.
- Swelling. The painful tendon may appear thickened or swollen compared to the non-affected side.