Care for jumper’s knee and knee tendon pain with Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD, triple board-certified
Knee tendonitis causes pain in a tendon around the knee, most often just below or above the kneecap. It usually hurts when you jump, run, climb stairs, squat or get up from a chair.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale checks the tendon with an ultrasound scan in the office. He then offers a strength program, guided injections and, for some patients, PRP.
Important Notice from IROSM: Your treatment plan is made for you by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez. After an exam at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, he will tell you which option fits your knee, including when surgery is the better choice.
What Is Knee Tendonitis?
Tendons connect muscles to bone. Knee tendonitis means a tendon near the knee is irritated and, over time, worn. When the tendon is worn rather than inflamed, doctors may call it tendinopathy. The most common types are:
Patellar Tendonitis
Also called jumper’s knee. Pain in the tendon just below the kneecap. Common in basketball, volleyball, running and soccer.
Quadriceps Tendonitis
Pain in the tendon just above the kneecap, where the thigh muscle attaches.
Pes Anserine Pain
Pain on the inner side of the knee, a little below the joint, where three tendons attach. Common in runners and people with knee arthritis.
Knee Tendonitis Treatment Options in Fort Lauderdale
Most people with knee tendonitis get better without surgery. Care usually starts with the tendon load and steps up only if needed. Options at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may include:
Load changes: cutting back on jumping and deep squats for a while, without stopping all activity.
A tendon strength program: slow, heavy strengthening of the thigh muscles that is built up step by step. This is the main treatment.
Support: a strap below the kneecap and ice can ease pain during activity.
Guided injections: for some tendon problems, an injection placed while watching on ultrasound. Cortisone is used with care in tendons, because relief may not last.
PRP: for tendon pain that lasts despite a good strength program, PRP (made from your own blood) may be considered. See PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale.
Read how image-guided injections improve accuracy. Not every treatment is right for everyone, and results vary. Dr. Gonzalez will tell you at your visit which options fit you. Surgery for knee tendonitis is uncommon. If it is the better fit, he will explain why and help with a referral.
What the Research Says About Knee Tendonitis Treatment
Strength training compared with a cortisone shot: In a study of men with jumper’s knee, patients were randomly given a cortisone injection, a lowering-type squat program, or slow heavy strength training for 12 weeks. All three groups improved at first. After 6 months, the cortisone group had lost much of its gain, while both exercise groups kept theirs. The heavy strength group was the most satisfied. Kongsgaard M, et al. Corticosteroid injections, eccentric decline squat training and heavy slow resistance training in patellar tendinopathy. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2009;19(6):790-802. View the study.
PRP for jumper’s knee: In a small study of 23 people with jumper’s knee who had not improved with other care, patients were randomly given needling of the tendon with or without PRP, plus exercises. The PRP group improved faster at 12 weeks, but by 26 weeks both groups had improved about the same. Dragoo JL, et al. Platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for patellar tendinopathy: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(3):610-618. View the study.
Knee Tendonitis Treatment in Fort Lauderdale
Providing knee tendonitis and jumper’s knee treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Tendonitis at IROSM
How is tendonitis in the knee treated?
How is tendonitis in the knee treated?
Most people start by cutting back on jumping and deep squats and doing a step-by-step strength program for the thigh muscles. A strap and ice can help during activity. For pain that lasts, a guided injection or PRP may be considered. Dr. Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale builds a plan for your knee.
What is jumper's knee?
What is jumper's knee?
Jumper's knee is a common name for patellar tendonitis, pain in the tendon just below the kneecap. It is common in sports with a lot of jumping and landing.
Should I rest completely with knee tendonitis?
Should I rest completely with knee tendonitis?
Usually not. Complete rest can make the tendon weaker. Most people do better by lowering the load for a while and then building the tendon's strength step by step.
Does a cortisone shot help knee tendonitis?
Does a cortisone shot help knee tendonitis?
A cortisone injection can ease pain in the short term, but research in jumper's knee shows the benefit may not last. It is used with care in tendons and alongside an exercise plan.
Is PRP used for knee tendonitis?
Is PRP used for knee tendonitis?
PRP may be considered for tendon pain that lasts despite a good strength program. It is placed with ultrasound guidance. Research is still limited and results vary.
Is knee tendonitis treatment covered by insurance?
Is knee tendonitis treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on the treatment and your plan. Office visits, imaging, therapy and cortisone injections are often covered, while PRP usually is not. Our team explains costs clearly before any treatment begins.
Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?
Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?
It depends on your insurance. Many HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans need a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Please check with your plan, or call us at (954) 751-6990 before your visit to confirm.
Find Out What Is Causing Your Knee Pain
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale for an in-office ultrasound of your knee tendon and a clear treatment plan.
Medically reviewed by:Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD Institute: Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
Last reviewed: September 2026
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Knee tendonitis treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
