Patellar Tendonitis

The primary symptom is localized pain directly below the kneecap. The discomfort is usually focused in one specific area along the tendon.

Early symptoms often include:

• Mild pain after activity
• Stiffness after sitting for long periods
• Tenderness when pressing on the tendon

As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Pain during activity
• Discomfort when climbing stairs or squatting
• Pain with running or jumping
• Reduced strength or endurance in the knee

In more advanced stages, pain may occur even with routine movements. The knee may feel weak, especially during activities that require pushing off or landing. Swelling is typically minimal.

The main cause is excessive strain placed on the tendon. The tendon is designed to handle force, but when the demand exceeds its capacity, damage occurs.

Common contributing factors include:

• Sudden increases in training intensity or frequency.
• High-impact sports such as basketball, volleyball, or track.
• Poor flexibility in the quadriceps or hamstrings.
• Weak hip or thigh muscles.
• Poor jumping or landing mechanics.
• Flat feet or alignment problems.
• Carrying excess body weight.

A rapid change in activity level is a frequent trigger. For example, increasing running distance too quickly or returning to sports after time off without gradual conditioning can overload the tendon.

Muscle imbalances also play a role. If surrounding muscles are tight or weak, more force is transferred directly to the tendon. Over time, this repeated stress leads to pain.

Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion of symptoms and activity history. At The Joint Preservation Clinic in Illinois, evaluation focuses on when the pain started, what activities make it worse, and whether there has been a recent increase in physical demand.

At your physical exam, your Joint Preservation clinician will assess the knee using special maneuvers to reveal the location and cause of pain. In many cases, the diagnosis can be made based on history and physical findings alone.

Imaging is sometimes used when symptoms are persistent or unclear. X-rays may be ordered to rule out other knee conditions but do not show tendon damage directly. Ultrasound can identify thickening or structural changes in the tendon. MRI provides a detailed view of the tendon and surrounding tissues. It may be helpful if symptoms do not improve or if more significant damage is suspected.

Accurate diagnosis is important because other causes of front-of-knee pain, such as cartilage problems or patellofemoral pain syndrome, can present in a similar way.

Ignoring persistent tendon pain can allow the condition to worsen. Continued stress on a compromised tendon increases the risk of more significant degeneration or tearing. Chronic tendon damage is more difficult to manage than early-stage irritation.

Early evaluation identifies both the condition and the factors contributing to it. Addressing muscle weakness, tightness, or training errors reduces the chance of recurrence.

At The Joint Preservation Clinic in Illinois, assessment is designed to protect long-term knee function. The focus is not only on identifying patellar tendonitis but also on understanding why it developed.

Persistent knee pain is not normal. A structured evaluation provides clarity and direction.