Review

Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes

Volume: 11 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
TR EN

Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes

Abstract

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a painful musculoskeletal condition that particularly affects athletes participating in jumping sports. Symptoms of PT are difficult to manage, affect sports and physical activity participation. The recovery rate of PT is not satisfactory, with long recovery times and a high recurrence rate. Thus, it is important to manage rehabilitation programs to improve athletes’ compromised sports participation. The aim of this review is to combine and present available evidence to guide clinicians in key elements of clinical diagnosis, examination and management of PT in athletes. Loading is the most important part of rehabilitation, especially for energy storing tendons like PT. Function is the primary focus of rehabilitation, before pain or structural recovery. Exercise is the primary treatment strategy with the highest evidence level for PT as it is the only way to load the tendon in line with its function. Other modalities such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, sports taping and dry needling may be beneficial as adjunct therapies, but evidence is limited. Athletes with PT play their sports twice as much as those with other knee problems, yet they are less satisfied with their recovery. Loading management with appropriate exercises is the best approach with a strong level of evidence for treating PT in athletes to improve athletes’ compromised sports participation.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

May 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 3, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 3

APA
Tayfur, A., & Tayfur, B. (2026). Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 11(3), 785-792. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342
AMA
1.Tayfur A, Tayfur B. Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026;11(3):785-792. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342
Chicago
Tayfur, Abdulhamit, and Beyza Tayfur. 2026. “Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11 (3): 785-92. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342.
EndNote
Tayfur A, Tayfur B (September 1, 2026) Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11 3 785–792.
IEEE
[1]A. Tayfur and B. Tayfur, “Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes”, İKÇÜSBFD, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 785–792, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342.
ISNAD
Tayfur, Abdulhamit - Tayfur, Beyza. “Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11/3 (September 1, 2026): 785-792. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342.
JAMA
1.Tayfur A, Tayfur B. Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026;11:785–792.
MLA
Tayfur, Abdulhamit, and Beyza Tayfur. “Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 11, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 785-92, doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342.
Vancouver
1.Abdulhamit Tayfur, Beyza Tayfur. Current Management Approaches for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026 Sep. 1;11(3):785-92. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1697342



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