What is Patellar Tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis is a common type of knee injury in which the knee tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. The tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone is very important in providing stability when running and jumping, and overuse of the patellar tendon can lead to chronic pain or discomfort during activity. Patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes and those who perform manual labor. Most cases of tendinitis in the knee are mild and can be treated at home with rest and ice. A person with severe pain should consult a doctor to determine if medications, physical therapy, or surgical procedures are likely to provide relief.

The patellar tendon helps to stabilize and support the knee joint when bending, jumping, and landing. Athletes and people who engage in frequent physical activity are prone to patellar tendinitis because of the continuous stress that is placed on the tendon. There are several other factors besides overuse that can cause tendinitis as well, such as obesity or misaligned lower leg bones. Regardless of the cause, individuals with patellar tendinitis often experience sharp pains and considerable discomfort when standing, walking, and bending over. The area just below the patella is usually very tender to the touch, and over time the sharp pains are accompanied by a constant dull ache.

Patellar tendinitis can make it difficult to engage in even the most mundane activities, such as walking up stairs or squatting down to tie a shoe. Pain can usually be relieved by resting the knee joint as much as possible and avoiding intensive physical activity. Wearing a supportive knee brace and icing the joint can also help to alleviate symptoms. Cases of tendinitis often linger for several months even with proper treatment and care. An individual should schedule an appointment with a physician if pain becomes serious enough to severely limit physical activity.

A doctor can conduct a thorough physical examination to determine the extent of tendon damage. He or she usually puts pressure on the surrounding bones and joint tissue to make sure that pain is indeed isolated to the tendon. Doctors often conduct diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging scans and ultrasounds to obtain a clear image of the joint and pinpoint the location of inflamed tissue.

After a diagnosis has been made, the physician will determine the best treatment. Most treatment regimens for patellar tendinitis include prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and regular sessions of physical therapy to rebuild strength. If a tendon is severely damaged or torn, the doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace tissue. Recovery times and success rates following surgery vary between patients, but most people do not regain full use of their knee until six months to one year after a procedure.