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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Pain is the first symptom of patellar tendinitis. The pain usually is located in the section of your patellar tendon between your kneecap (patella) and the area where the tendon attaches to your shinbone (tibia). During physical activity, the pain may feel sharp — especially when running or jumping. After a workout or practice, the pain may persist as a dull ache.
The pain in your knee may:
- Initially be present only as you begin physical activity or just after an intense workout
- Increase as you step up the intensity of your activity
- Progress to be present before, during and after physical activity
- Make going up and down stairs painful
- Become a constant ache that can make it difficult to sleep at night
When to see a doctor
If you experience knee pain, try self-care measures first, such as icing the affected area and temporarily reducing or avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms.
Call your doctor if your pain:
- Continues or worsens
- Interferes with your ability to perform routine daily activities
- Is associated with swelling or redness about the joint
- Hudgins TH. Jumper's knee. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/918424682/1678/67.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50066-3--cesec4_1064. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Choi L. Overuse injuries. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/918424682/2079/17.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0125_1247. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Miller TT. Common tendon and muscle injuries: Lower extremity. Ultrasound Clinics. 2007;2:595.
- Azar FM. Traumatic disorders. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-6/0/1584/351.html?tocnode=55688624&fromURL=351.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50049-0--cesec7_2498. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Khan K, et al. Overview of the management of overuse (chronic) tendinopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Cucurulo T, et al. Surgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy in athletes. A retrospective multicentric study. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research.2009;95:78.
- Rees JD. Management of tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009;37:1855.
- James SLJ, et al. Ultrasound guided dry needling and autologous blood injection for patellar tendinosis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2007;41:518.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 23, 2009.
