If your 12-year-old daughter is complaining of knee pain after playing basketball, you should consult your physician. She may have sustained an injury and require medical treatment to relieve pain and discomfort symptoms. To prevent future injuries, she should wear knee pads, shin guards and supportive sneakers during games.
ACL Tear
According to the Mayo Clinic, anterior cruciate ligament or ACL injuries are common in people who play sports like basketball. The ACL connects the shinbone to the thighbone. If your daughter changed directions rapidly or stopped on the court suddenly, she may tear the ACL. The pain will radiate directly from the knee and a popping sound may be heard when the injury occurs.
Jumper's Knee
Jumper's knee or patellar tendinitis is a common condition in basketball and causes pain at the bottom area of the kneecap. The repeated jumping during basketball can result in micro-tears in the knee along with degeneration of the collagen surrounding the knee.
Treatment
Sprains and strains resulting from basketball playing can typically be treated with what is known as the RICE or rest, ice, compression and elevation method. If the girl experiences pain, she should be able to rest her knee as often as possible. To reduce inflammation, an ice pack should be applied directly to the site of the pain. Leave the ice pack on for 15 minute intervals. To bring down any swelling associated with the knee injury, the knee should be compressed with a medical bandage. The leg should remain elevated above the heart during periods of rest.
Considerations
If your daughter is not jumping correctly when on the court, she could be increasing her chance of injury to her ligaments. When she lands after a jump, she should bend her knees to take pressure off the anterior cruciate ligament. She should also crouch at the hips and keep the knees bent when pivoting on the court.
