Quadriceps tendonitis is inflammation of the quadriceps tendon, caused by acute injury or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness above the kneecap. Treatment involves rest, avoiding knee exercises, and taking anti-inflammatories.
Quadriceps tendonitis is a condition in which the quadriceps tendon, a strong band of connective tissue that attaches the four heads of the quadriceps muscle to the knee, becomes inflamed. This can be the product of an acute injury, such as a tendon strain caused by an explosive jumping movement, or gradual wear and tear of the tissue from overuse, such as in athletes who must perform repetitive running, jumping, or squatting motions. Symptoms of quadriceps tendonitis generally include pain, swelling, and stiffness just above the kneecap, which is where the quadriceps tendon attaches to the kneecap bone.
Originating on the ilium in the hip and along the anterior part of the femoral bone in the thigh, the four heads of the quadriceps include the rectus femoris, which is the most superficial, and below it the vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and the vastus lateralis. All four insert through the quadriceps tendon on the anterior or anterior surface of the patella. This tendon, which is a relatively inflexible band of fibrous tissue, transfers powerful forces from the quadriceps, the knee joint’s primary extensor, through the knee.
Because of the large load placed on this tendon, it can become worn down and irritated over time or suddenly inflamed from high-impact movement, particularly when the quadriceps isn’t strong enough to handle the forces acting on it. In the case of quadriceps tendonitis that comes on gradually, it is typically caused by friction between the tendon and the kneecap, with the tendon becoming inflamed from repeated rubbing on the bone. This constant friction creates tiny tears in the tendon fibers that never have a chance to heal, and if the activity causing the inflammation is not stopped, the tissue becomes increasingly weakened and at risk of a partial or full-blown tear.
Sudden trauma to the area can also lead to quadriceps tendonitis, which is common in returning athletes whose quadriceps muscles may be weakened and unaccustomed to the demands of training. For example, when the quadriceps are forcefully contracted to extend the knee, such as when an athlete stands quickly from a squat position or slows landing a jump, the quadriceps tendon, which does not stretch as the muscle does, may not being able to bear the excessive force transferred. This can lead to overstretched and inflamed tissue — quadriceps tendonitis — or more serious injuries like a tear.
Because quadriceps tendonitis presents with such specific symptoms, it’s not considered difficult to diagnose. When moving the knee, the individual will experience pain from the tendon rubbing against the bone right at the top edge of the kneecap and often swelling in the area. He may also report a burning sensation where the muscle meets the knee and stiffness, most often during and after a workout, first thing in the morning and evening. Finally, you will likely experience tenderness in the tissue above the kneecap when you feel or move the knee joint.
To treat these symptoms, doctors recommend resting the area and avoiding exercise that works the knee joint for four to six weeks. This will allow the tendon damage to heal on its own. For pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can be taken, and the knee can be iced to reduce inflammation and swelling.
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