If you have stiffness in the knees after climbing, you may have sustained an injury in the area. Common problems associated with knee pain and stiffness while climbing include patellar tendonitis and chondromalacia patella. Speak to your doctor about treatment options to relieve pain and symptoms and about activity limitations while your knee heals.
Chondromalacia Patella
When you suffer from chondromalacia patella, the cartilage in the kneecap begins to soften and break down. This condition is more common in adolescents and young adults. If you are doing an activity like climbing, the extra stress on the knee makes you more prone to the condition. Symptoms include knee pain and stiffness that worsens during activities such as climbing stairs or getting out of a chair.
Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is a condition where inflammation occurs in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin. Another name for the condition is "jumper's knee" and symptoms include knee stiffness, pain and cracking when moving the knee. Tension placed on the joint during climbing may have caused the condition.
Treatment
If you are suffering from chondromalacia patella, your doctor may recommend limiting climbing activities and other forms of exercise. You may need to do exercises that take stress off the knee, such as swimming. You may also need to tape your knee to help realign the kneecap. In extreme cases, surgery can be done to remove damaged cartilage. For patellar tendonitis, your doctor may order a period of rest along with icing the stiff area for 15 minute intervals over the course of the day. Stretching prior to climbing may help prevent symptom recurrences.
Considerations
Knee stiffness may be caused by an underlying condition unrelated to the climbing activity. For instance, arthritis can cause joint stiffness and symptoms may be aggravated while participating in climbing activities. Imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds can be done to determine the exact cause of your knee pain. Light stretching exercises of the lower body for five to 10 minutes prior to a climbing workout may relieve stiffness symptoms.
