Tendons attach muscles to bone. When they are injured, whether from repetitive use or a traumatic injury, inflammation and irritation of the tendon occurs. This is called tendinitis. It can affect the knee and/or kneecap (patella).

“Weekend warriors” (people who play sports on the weekend but do little to maintain conditioning during the rest of the week) often develop tendinitis in the knees. Age and being overweight also contribute to knee or patellar tendinitis.

Symptoms of tendinitis of the knee include:

• Knee pain with activities which eases with rest
• Pain above or below the kneecap
• Swelling
• In severe cases, pain that is constant and disrupts sleep

A Lancaster Orthopedic Group knee specialist will evaluate your pain and symptoms, perform strength and motion tests on the knee and, in some cases, recommend an MRI to help determine if a tendon is inflamed, injured or torn.

Knee and patellar tendinitis typically goes away in a few weeks or months. If the symptoms persist, treatment options include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and knee supports.