Knee tendonitis, or patellar tendonitis, is a common condition in which the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the tibia (shinbone) becomes injured. This tendon is necessary to help you extend your leg, as with kicking a ball. This condition is most commonly seen in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, this condition can affect anyone. It may be necessary to see your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms of knee tendonitis.
Pain
The first symptom of knee tendonitis is pain just below the kneecap. This pain occurs because the patellar tendon is inflamed, likely from overuse. The Mayo Clinic describes this pain as being sharp and aggravated by running and jumping. Over time this sharp pain may progress to a dull ache. Initial treatment should include applying ice to the knee for 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a day, rest and over-the-counter pain-relieving medications as needed. See your doctor if your pain worsens or does not improve with conservative treatment.
Swelling
You may notice minimal swelling in the area between the lower portion of the kneecap and the tibia. This occurs because the aggravated patellar tendon causes certain chemicals to be released by the body that cause swelling. Apply ice, take a break from physical activity, take pain-relieving medications as needed and elevate your knee above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. See you doctor if your knee swelling gets worse or does not improve.
Tenderness
According to Medline Plus, tenderness is a common symptom of knee tendonitis. Tenderness occurs because your swollen tendon can cause tissue in the area of your kneecap to swell and stretch sensory nerves that may already cause you pain. When pressure is applied to this area, these nerves stretch further and result in tenderness. This symptom will help your doctor come to a diagnosis of knee tendonitis, although there are still other possibilities.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
In rare cases, extreme physical activity and stress on the patellar tendon may cause a piece of bone to break off the tibia. This condition is called Osgood-Schlatter disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may notice a painful lump below the kneecap. This condition occurs most often in children who participate in sports. This condition will likely resolve on its own with rest; however, surgery may be necessary. This condition may be mistaken for knee tendonitis, thus it is important to see your doctor if your pain, swelling and tenderness below your kneecap is not improving.
