What should you know about patellar calcific tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium collects within a tendon and irritates the surrounding tissue. Around the knee, symptoms may be felt at the front of the joint, especially with bending, straightening, kneeling, or activity. The name can be confusing because many reference pages discuss the shoulder; patellar disease affects the tendon connected with the kneecap instead.

A clinician may examine the tender area, knee movement, strength, and the way the kneecap tracks. Imaging can help show a deposit and check for other causes of front-of-knee pain. A deposit does not by itself explain every symptom, so the examination matters.

Reduce movements that sharply increase pain while keeping gentle, comfortable motion. Ice wrapped in a cloth may help after activity. Do not press hard on the painful tendon or return quickly to jumping and sprinting.

Treatment depends on the deposit, tendon findings, duration of symptoms, and activity needs. A rehabilitation plan may restore flexibility and gradually build quadriceps and hip strength. A clinician may discuss physiotherapy, an injection, shockwave therapy, or an operation in selected cases. Read more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) and [Shockwave Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/shockwave-therapy/).

Arrange an assessment if front-of-knee pain persists, limits walking or stairs, or returns whenever activity resumes. Seek prompt medical help after a sudden injury if you cannot straighten the knee, cannot bear weight, or the joint becomes markedly swollen, hot, or red. Urgent care is also appropriate for fever with a hot swollen knee or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the patellar tendon, whether imaging is needed, which activities to pause, and how strengthening should progress. You can also ask when an injection or shockwave treatment would be considered and what signs would make an operation relevant.