Self Diagnosis for Knee Tendon Problems

Knee tendon injuries range from tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon), which has obvious symptoms to a ruptured (torn) tendon with less obvious symptoms. Many of the tendon problems are caused by overusing the tendon. Self-diagnosis can range from visually examining the knee area to actually touching it to notice any changes in its tissues and pain level.

Possible Tendinitis

• Feel your kneecap. You may have tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) if there is tenderness at the point where your kneecap (patella) tendon meets the bone, states the American Family Physician. Feel around this area.

  If you feel pain while performing any fast movement such as jumping, speed walking or running, you may have a mild to moderate rupture of your tendon.

  If you cannot move your knee properly, or you do not have your usual range of motion (if you cannot extend, straighten or lift your leg) you may have a complete rupture of the quadriceps tendon, states the National Institute of Health.

  If your pain increases while going up and down stairs, this could indicate a tendon problem.

  According to the American Family Physicians, if you experience pain after sitting for a long period of time, you may have a knee tendon problem.

Possible Osgood-Schlatter Disease

• Do you jump a lot? This disease, known as jumper's knee, is common among people who jump or run a lot. Continuous muscle contractions take place, causing this disease.

  Feel around your lower kneecap area. If there is inflammation of the soft tissues and patellar tendon at the point around your tibia, you may have this disease. It is caused by repetitive stress on the upper tibia, states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Some cases of Osgood-Schlatter disease, however, do not have any swelling.

  Pain in the quadriceps, or thigh muscles, can be a symptom of this syndrome, according to The Physiotherapy Site.

  Lower knee joint pain will increase with activity with this disease. The pain will decrease with rest and icing the affected area.

  Check for a bony bump. There may be a hard bump on the upper edge of your leg just below your kneecap, states the National Institute of Health.

  If you attempt kneeling, it is too painful and uncomfortable to accomplish with this disease, states The Physiotherapy Site.

  This disease does not affect the motion of your knee.

Caution

• Seek professional help. If you experience swelling, mobility issues or pain lasting more than a few hours involving your knee area, contact a medical professional such as an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of skeletal concerns. These professionals can perform a variety of tests and give you a diagnosis that can be properly treated.