Knee pain is something that everyone experiences at least once in their lives, but the reasons for knee pain will differ from person to person. A frequent question that arises among people when they face knee pain is whether the pain is due to tendonitis or something serious.
It is essential to identify the reason for your knee pain to receive appropriate treatment. While a complete examination by a professional physician can determine your exact diagnosis, the following are a few ways to differentiate knee tendonitis from other causes of knee pain.
The Hallmark of Knee Tendonitis
Tendonitis, especially patellar tendonitis (also known as Jumper’s Knee), is an overuse injury. It happens when the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone becomes irritated or inflamed. The pain is usually very specific and easy to pinpoint.
If you press just below your kneecap, you will often feel a sharp, stinging pain. The discomfort usually gets worse during activities like running or walking downstairs. In many cases, the pain may feel better once you start moving and your knee warms up, but it often comes back after you stop and rest.
Tendonitis vs. A Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear affects the cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and shin bone. Unlike tendonitis, which develops from repeated use, a meniscus tear is usually caused by a sudden twist or impact. The pain from tendonitis is sharp and located in one spot, while a meniscus tear often feels like a deep ache inside the knee and may come with a locking or catching sensation.
You might also notice clicking or your knee giving way. Swelling is usually minimal with tendonitis, but a meniscus tear can cause more noticeable swelling, often described as water on the knee. If your knee feels like it is catching or locking, it is more likely a meniscus or ligament problem.
Tendonitis vs. Knee Arthritis
Arthritis happens when the protective cartilage in your knee joint slowly wears down over time. While tendonitis is more common in active people, arthritis tends to occur more often with age, although both conditions can happen together.
Arthritis pain is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity and may improve with gentle movement. Many people also notice that their pain increases during cold weather or when humidity changes. You may feel or hear a grinding or crunching sound in the joint, which is not common with tendonitis.
Knee Bursitis Can Be Another Possibility
At times, knee pain could be due to bursitis rather than tendonitis. This is because bursitis is a disease involving a sac of fluid in the joint. Prepatellar bursitis is a form of bursitis that may look similar to tendonitis because they both cause pain around the knees. A common sign of bursitis is visible swelling, which may appear as a localized lump near the kneecap.
When to See a Specialist
Basic care methods like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E) can help with mild tendonitis. However, you should see an orthopedic specialist if:
- You cannot put full weight on your leg
- Your knee feels unstable or gives out
- There is redness or warmth, which could be a sign of infection
- The pain does not improve after two weeks of rest
Final Thoughts
Figuring out the exact cause of knee pain often requires a physical exam and sometimes imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound to look at the soft tissues. You must consider an orthopedic specialist for the right diagnosis.
Getting the right diagnosis early can prevent a small problem from turning into a long-term issue.
Consult our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mufaddal Gombera, MD, for knee injuries. Call us today to book your appointment.
