Whether it strikes only when you jump for a shot or persists the whole game, knee pain can turn a game of basketball from enjoyable to downright unpleasant. Although knee pain is not always caused by a serious injury, it generally indicates some type of disturbance within your knee joint. Consult your doctor before attempting to self-diagnose or self-treat any knee pain, and if your knee pain persists or worsens.
Knee Sprain
A knee sprain occurs when one of the ligaments in the knee tears or stretches too far. The injury is most commonly caused when the knee is twisted suddenly or as a result of frequent jumping on a hard surface, Drugs.com explains. Basketball players might also sustain a knee sprain by tripping and falling onto a bent knee or having another player or the basketball forcefully knock into the front, back or sides of the knee joint. The player will notice immediate pain and tenderness in the knee joint. In many cases, an audible "pop" can be heard at the time of injury. Within hours, the area will become bruised, swollen and unstable. Although the injury might not cause enough pain to take you out of the game, it's a good idea to sit on the sidelines until you visit your doctor. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a knee brace or crutches may be necessary.
Patella Tendinitis
The patella tendon connects the patella, or kneecap, to the top of the tibia, or shin bone. Occasionally, this tendon becomes inflamed and swollen, causing pain in the knee joint. Any activity that involves frequent jumping or quickly changing directions can lead to patellar tendinitis, making it a common injury among basketball players. Also referred to as jumper's knee, the injury is not always immediately noticeable. Although the basketball player might notice pain and minor swelling just below the kneecap, it's often just a minor inconvenience. If left untreated, however, the patella tendon might eventually degenerate or tear. Rest and cold therapy are often recommended until the swelling and pain are relieved.
Arthritis
If you have been playing basketball for several years, arthritis might develop in your knee joints. A smooth layer of connective tissue sits between all bones in the knee joint, allowing them to move across one another without actually touching. When arthritis occurs, this connective tissue slowly begins to break down and become quite thin. Over time, the tissue might completely wear away, exposing the bones to one another. Any movement of the knee causes the bones to rub against one another, causing a deep aching pain. As the movement continues, inflammation and joint stiffness will also occur. Although there are no treatments for knee arthritis as of 2011, wearing a knee support while playing basketball can help relieve some of the pain.
Considerations
Certain knee injuries, such as a dislocation or ACL rupture, are so painful and immediately debilitating that they will immediately take a basketball player out of the game. However, many knee injuries are relatively mild when they first occur. If you continue playing on an injured knee, it could result in greater damage to the joint. If you experience knee pain while playing basketball, pay close attention to the pain. If the pain is severe or accompanied by swelling, bruising, unusual movement of the joint, stiffness or decreased range of motion, take a seat on the sidelines and consult your physician for a proper diagnosis.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Knee Pain: Causes; Sept. 9, 2010
- Drugs.com: Knee Sprain
- The Stretching Institute: Patellar Tendonitis Treatment --- Jumper's Knee
- Hughston Health Alert; Common Basketball Injuries; Patrick O'Connell, M.D.
- Sports Injury Clinic: Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy)
- Sports Injury Clinic: Arthritis of the Knee (Osteoarthritis)
