When Knee Pain is Tendonitis: Symptoms and Treatment

Knee tendonitis, also known as patellar tendonitis, is a condition where the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin becomes inflamed. This can cause a sharp pain around the knee area and difficulty with mobility.

The following are some common symptoms that indicate knee tendonitis:.

1. Pain in the Knee Area

Knee tendonitis causes pain around the knee area that can be sharp or dull. The pain may become worse with activity, or after sitting or standing for an extended period of time. You may also feel the pain when you press the area around your kneecap.

2. Stiffness and Swelling

The inflamed kneecap tendon can cause stiffness and swelling around the knee area. This can make it difficult to bend your knee or straighten your leg.

3. Weakness and Instability

You may also experience weakness and instability around your knee area. This can make it difficult to walk or move around without support.

4. Aching Pain

The knee area may also feel achy or sore, especially after a long day of physical activity.

5. Clicking and Popping Sounds

You may hear popping or clicking sounds when you move your knee. This is caused by the friction between the inflamed tendon and the surrounding tissues.

6. Limited Range of Motion

Your knee may be limited in its range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as climbing stairs or sitting down on a chair.

Treatments for Knee Tendonitis

There are several treatments available for knee tendonitis. The following are some common treatments that can help alleviate the pain and inflammation around the knee area:.

1. Rest and Ice

Rest is key in treating knee tendonitis. You should avoid activities that aggravate the condition and rest your knee as much as possible. Applying ice packs to the affected area can also help reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Compression and Elevation

Compression and elevation can help reduce swelling and inflammation around the knee area. You can use a compression bandage to wrap the affected area and elevate your leg above your heart to help reduce the swelling.

3. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help you improve your knee’s strength and flexibility. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that can alleviate the pain and improve your range of motion.

4. Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications or steroids if your pain is severe.

5. Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon. This is usually only necessary if the condition is severe and does not respond to other treatments.

Preventing Knee Tendonitis

Knee tendonitis can be prevented with proper exercise and conditioning. Stretching before and after physical activity can help prevent injury and alleviate strain on the knee area.

Wearing proper footwear and using proper equipment during physical activity can also help prevent knee injuries.