Knee Tendonitis

Knee Tendonitis Overview

Tendons are strong connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. When muscles flex, tendons gently pull on the bones to move them. Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon or group of tendons. Knee tendonitis, specifically patella tendonitis, is a common condition that many athletes and active individuals experience. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) knee specialist prescribes a customized treatment plan to reduce knee tendonitis symptoms.

Symptoms & Causes

Knee tendonitis symptoms include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Weakness

Overuse is the main knee tendonitis cause.

Risk factors include:

• Leg muscle imbalances
• Suddenly increase exercise frequency or intensity
• Tight leg muscles

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options treat knee tendonitis. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA knee specialist may recommend:

• Activity modification
• A brace
• Immobilization
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy

Patients who adhere to their CONA knee specialist’s advice see a quick reduction in symptoms. Their injury heals and the chances of it returning dramatically decrease.

Diagnosis:

A CONA specialist asks the patient-important questions about their symptoms. A thorough examination of the knee is performed. Medical imaging studies are not needed. An accurate diagnosis is made and a customized treatment plan is prescribe.