Knee tendonitis is also known as Jumper’s Knee or patellar tendonitis. It is a common injury that occurs when the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone becomes inflamed. For many people, knee tendonitis begins as a minor ache after exercising or a sharp pain when climbing stairs.
Knee tendonitis may not always resolve with rest alone. If you don’t take care of knee tendonitis, it can turn into a chronic problem. If you wish to stay active and keep your mobility going for many years to come, you should know about how knee tendonitis turns into a chronic problem.
The Shift from Tendonitis to Tendinosis
The term tendonitis means short-term inflammation. If you are using your knee too much, for example, during activities like jumping, running, or increasing exercise intensity, you may experience small tears in the tendon. In response to the damage, the tendons will become inflamed.
However, when you continue to stress the tendons without giving them enough time to recover, the problem will change. Instead of tendonitis, you will end up with tendinosis. Tendinosis is a long-term degeneration rather than inflammation.
At this point, the tendons will have weak, thick, and disorganized collagen strands. The collagen becomes thick, disorganized, and weaker, making the tendons less flexible and prone to injury.
Why Knee Tendonitis Becomes Chronic
There are several reasons why knee tendonitis can turn into a long-lasting problem:
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The Push Through Mindset
Many athletes or physically active individuals may ignore pain at first. Since it tends to go away as they continue to warm up, they continue with their exercise. However, this causes repeated damage that their body cannot repair as fast as it happens.
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Poor Rehabilitation
Rest alone does not address the underlying problem. Long-term injuries occur due to underlying factors such as weak hip muscles, tight hamstrings, or wearing improper shoes. These factors place additional stress on the knee.
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Limited Blood Flow
Tendons do not have as much blood as muscles. They heal at a slower rate. If a tendon gets injured again before it fully heals, it can cause repeated damage.
Signs Your Knee Pain is Becoming Chronic
It is important to recognize when the condition is becoming chronic. The warning signs for this are:
- Pain at rest
- Morning stiffness
- Thickened tendon
- Limited movement
Preventing and Managing Chronic Issues
The best way to prevent long-term knee tendonitis is to treat it early and correctly. This means not just resting; it means active recovery. This includes:
- Eccentric Exercises: Certain exercises, such as performing decline squats, can aid in rebuilding your tendons and making them stronger.
- Strengthening Your Body: Strengthening your hips and core can reduce stress on your knees.
- Professional Help: A medical professional can assist you in getting treatments such as shockwave therapy.
The Bottom Line
Knee tendonitis can turn into a chronic problem if it is not taken care of or if it is not treated properly. However, by recognizing the early signs of knee tendonitis, you can avoid a temporary problem from turning into a chronic problem and continue to live a pain-free life.
Consult our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mufaddal Gombera, MD, for knee tendonitis. Call us today to book your appointment.
