Patellar tendonitis is the inflammation in the region where the patellar tendon is. It usually occurs just below one’s kneecap. The inflammation happens due to repetitive injury or overusing of the region. It is a condition that is commonly experienced by athletes of any sports. Other causes include jumping activities, which strain the tendon. As repetitive jumping is performed, a microscopic tearing is triggered. This is when a tendon injury occurs. If the injury is severe, it will lead to localized pain and inflammation, which are the same reactions of the body while it heals. Many of the famous athletes now have been reported to experience this injury. And, in all these cases, the patellar tendonitis symptoms are the same.
Top 4 Patellar Tendonitis Symptoms
There are rare cases when patellar tendonitis occurs as a response to a traumatic event. But the patellar tendonitis symptoms being felt are still alike. These symptoms are:
1. Pain
It is the primary symptom that a person with patellar tendonitis experiences. The pain is felt in the patellar tendon region between the kneecap and the part where your tendon is attached to the shinbone. There are several cases when you will feel the pain. The pain may be present while you start with a physical activity or after completing an intense work out. In some cases, the pain felt can be that intense to the point that it affects your performance as well. As the pain or injury progresses, the pain starts to interfere with your daily tasks like standing and climbing the stairs. This can only happen if the injury is not treated right away.
2. Tenderness and Swelling
The affected area starts swelling due to inflammation. As it does, the inflamed tendon also becomes tender. Most of the time, swelling comes with redness, which occurs at the lower part of the kneecap or the tibial tubercle.
3. Loss of Strength
This symptom only happens occasionally, especially if the person was forced to straighten the knee to jump or stand. Loss of strength is also felt if the person attempted to bend their knee completely.
4. Crepitation
This symptom is the crackling sound being heard when one’s tendon is being moved or touched.
If you do not want to suffer from patellar tendonitis and its symptoms, you should perform preventive measures. Since being an athlete means always working out, make sure that you are always warming up and stretching before proceeding with the main activity. There should also have enough resting time in between competition and practices. It helps in maintaining good conditioning as well. Lastly, perform exercises that will further strengthen your knee like cardiovascular exercises and knee and thigh strength exercises. Using protective gears on the knee helps in preventing the injury from recurring.
In case you started feeling the pain and patellar tendonitis symptoms, be sure to perform self-care measures. Apply ice on the affected region and reduce the activities being done. It is time to contact your doctor if the pain persists. Do not wait until these patellar tendonitis symptoms start interfering with your daily activities.