Research published in the "Journal of Athletic Training" in 2000 reported that knee and kneecap injuries account for approximately 14 percent of all basketball injuries. Knee injuries that can result in significant swelling include a knee sprain, meniscus tear, tendinitis and bursitis. To reduce swelling, rest, ice and wear a compression wrap. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Ligament Sprain
You have four ligaments in and around your knee joint -- the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial cruciate ligament and lateral cruciate ligament. A knee sprain is when one or more of your knee ligaments, which stabilize your knee joint, are overstretched or torn. Falling on your knee, hyperextending your knee or twisting your knee while playing basketball can lead to a torn ligament. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, joint stiffness and instability.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus in your knee joint acts as a shock absorber and reduces friction between the bones that make up your knee. Twisting your knee during basketball can cause your meniscus to tear. Since your knee ligaments attach onto or are near your meniscus, a meniscus tear and ligament tear might occur simultaneously. This is often referred to as the "unhappy triad," Dr. Chad Starkey explained in the "Journal of Athletic Training" in 2000. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, joint stiffness and catching with knee movements.
Patellar Tendinitis
Your patellar tendon is located just below your kneecap. Patellar tendinitis, or jumper's knee, is when this tendon becomes inflamed and deteriorates. The constant jumping and running in basketball can lead to patellar tendinitis. You may experience pain and swelling just over your patellar tendon and around the entire knee, depending on the severity of your injury. Additional symptoms include pain, joint stiffness and a crackling sensation over your patellar tendon.
Bursitis
Underneath your patellar tendon is a bursa sac -- a sac of fluid that helps reduce friction around your patellar tendon. Falling directly on your knee can cause acute inflammation of your bursa sac, called bursitis. Tendinitis or tight thigh muscles may also cause bursitis, over time. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, point tenderness over your bursa and decreased range of motion.
Treatment
Ice your knee, wear a compression wrap, elevate your leg above your heart and take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to reduce swelling. Your physician may also recommend using crutches while walking to manage pain and prevent further injury. For severe bursitis, your physician may need to drain the excessive fluid around the inflamed bursa sac. Additional treatment options to discuss with your physician include a knee brace, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy and surgery.
Prevention
Perform lower-extremity strength exercises to improve joint stability and prevent knee injuries. Common strength exercises include squats, lunges and deadlifts. Basketball-specific exercises, like wind sprints and box jumps, can also help reduce your risk of knee injuries. Lastly, warm up and stretch before playing basketball to maintain normal flexibility and knee function.
References
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; Injuries and Illnesses in the National Basketball Association: A 10-Year Perspective; Chad Starkey, Ph.D, A.T.C.; June 2000
- "Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases"; The ACL-Deficient Knee Natural History and Treatment Options; Jeffrey Goldstein, M.D., et al.; 2001
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Prepatellar Bursitis; July 2007
- "North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy"; Evidence-Based Rehabilitation of Patellar Tendinopathy; Marsha Rutland, P.T., Sc.D, et al.; September 2010
- Summit Medical Group; Knee Sprain; Pierre Rouzier, M.D.; 2009
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; The Meniscus: Review of Basic Principles With Application to Surgery and Rehabilitation; Timothy Brindle, et al.; 2001
