Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis symptoms typically develop gradually and may include:

• Pain below the kneecap that worsens with jumping, running, or climbing stairs
• Tenderness when pressing on the patellar tendon
• Morning stiffness in the knee that improves with movement
• Swelling around the tendon area
• Weakness in the affected leg during activities
• A burning sensation in the kneecap area after exercise

Pain may initially occur only during or after physical activity but can progress to constant discomfort that interferes with daily tasks like walking or sitting for extended periods.

Patellar tendinitis develops from repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, which can cause microscopic tears that don’t heal properly. Common causes include:

Activity-related factors: Frequent jumping, sudden increases in training intensity, hard playing surfaces, and improper technique can all contribute to tendon stress. Sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and long-distance running pose higher risks.

Physical factors: Tight quadriceps or hamstring muscles, muscle imbalances, previous knee injuries, and certain foot mechanics can increase your risk. Age also plays a role, as the condition is most common in athletes between 20-40 years old.

Training factors: Inadequate warm-up, poor equipment, and training errors such as doing too much too soon can overload the tendon beyond its capacity to adapt and heal.

At Synergy Health Partners, our specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose patellar tendinitis. Your evaluation will begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, activity level, and medical history.

During the physical examination, your doctor will assess your knee’s range of motion, check for tenderness along the patellar tendon, and perform specific tests to evaluate tendon function and identify any muscle imbalances.

Imaging studies may include X-rays to rule out bone problems and ultrasound or MRI to visualize the tendon structure and assess the extent of damage. These advanced imaging techniques help our specialists develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.

You should schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists if you experience:

• Persistent knee pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain medication
• Pain that interferes with your daily activities or sleep
• Swelling or warmth around the kneecap area
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
• Recurring symptoms that return when you resume activity

Early treatment is crucial for preventing the condition from becoming chronic. Our specialists can help you develop an effective treatment plan and modify your activities to promote healing while keeping you as active as possible.