Knee Tendonitis Treatment in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD treats patellar tendonitis and other knee tendon conditions with injections and Orthopedic care. Same-day or next-day appointments.
Call 978-969-3624
What is knee tendonitis, and how is it treated?
Knee tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon in the knee, most commonly the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or the quadriceps tendon. It causes pain with activity.
Dr. McLaughlin treats knee tendonitis with injections, physical therapy, and activity modification. Most cases resolve without surgery. Call 978-969-3624 for a same-day or next-day evaluation.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Conditions Patellar tendonitis, quadriceps tendonitis
- Treatment Cortisone injections, PRP, physical therapy
- Surgery Rarely required
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Knee tendonitis treatment options
Most knee tendonitis cases can be treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin recommends a plan based on the severity and the patient’s activity level.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections reduce pain and inflammation in and around the knee tendons and bursae quickly and effectively. Dr. McLaughlin can use ultrasound guidance for accurate placement.
Learn more →PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may support tendon healing by delivering growth factors to the injured area. PRP injections are $750 per injection at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises reduce strain on the patellar and quadriceps tendons. Expedited PT referrals are available when needed.
Symptoms of knee tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
Patellar tendonitis is often called jumper’s knee because it is common in sports with repeated jumping, running, and quick stops. The main sign is pain just below the kneecap, or just above it when the quadriceps tendon is involved. The tendon may feel tender to the touch, mildly swollen, or stiff after rest. Pain often starts at the beginning of activity, eases, then returns afterward. Climbing stairs, squatting, or kneeling may hurt. Over time, the pain can begin to interfere with everyday movement.
When to have knee pain checked
Make an appointment if knee pain keeps returning with activity, lasts more than a short period of rest, or causes swelling, weakness, or trouble straightening the leg. Dr. McLaughlin examines every patient himself and can often begin treatment at the first visit. Same-day or next-day appointments are available at all four offices: call 978-969-3624.
What causes knee tendonitis?
Knee tendonitis is usually an overuse injury. Repeated jumping, running and squatting put stress on the tendon, and a sudden increase in training, tight thigh muscles or uneven muscle strength can add to the strain.
How knee tendonitis is diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam of the tendon, leg strength and range of motion. When imaging is needed, expedited MRI options are available.
Knee tendonitis questions
What is knee tendonitis?
Knee tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon in the knee, most commonly the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or the quadriceps tendon. Bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the knee, often occurs alongside tendonitis. Both cause pain with activity.
How is knee tendonitis treated?
Knee tendonitis is usually treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin may recommend cortisone injections, PRP injections, physical therapy, and activity modification depending on the severity.
Does Dr. McLaughlin treat knee tendonitis?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates and treats knee tendonitis at Boston Concierge Orthopedics. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
What is jumper’s knee?
Jumper’s knee is another name for patellar tendonitis, irritation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is common in athletes who jump or run, and it is usually treated without surgery.
Can knee tendonitis get better with rest and ice?
Mild cases often improve with rest from the activity that causes pain, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. If pain keeps returning, call 978-969-3624 for a same-day or next-day evaluation.
Knee tendonitis care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions