Quadriceps tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis) is a painful
condition affecting the quadriceps tendon above the patella
(kneecap). The quadriceps group of muscle (individually called
the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis and
the overlying rectus femoris) is the largest in the front of the
thigh and is very important for stabilizing the leg. The
quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps to the tibia (shins)
via the patellar tendon, which surrounds the knee cap itself.
The movement of the knee known as the quadriceps mechanism
involves the patella (knee cap), the patella tendon, the
quadriceps and its tendon. They all work together to extend the
leg to straight. Quadriceps tendonitis is caused by repetitive
use of this tendon. This condition is most common in an athlete
who is in involved in sports that require lots of jumping such
as basketball, volleyball and jogging, or in a sport that
requires a lot of stopping and starting. Little tears in the
tendon and tendon sheath will present as p