I have knee pain when weight bearing and then when i take weight off my knee, pain shoots up my thigh. does this sound like a tendon issue?

Not necessarily: Knee joint pat is frequently referred up the thigh. It could be tendinitis but there is no way to tell without an exam. See an orthopedist.

Tough to say: You should be evaluated by a physician. You need to explain the history of your symptoms and be examined to better assist you.

Patellar tendon/quad: This may be due to a problem with your patellar tendon or quadriceps muscle or both. Further evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or a primary care sports medicine specialist would be warranted to determine exact cause.