Older tennis player’s knee pain may be more than just a sore joint

Q. I am a 60-year-old competitive tennis player who has had right knee pain for about a year. Over the last month the pain has progressed to the point I can no longer play. I also have developed pain that wakes me from sleeping. I do not recall any specific injury that caused my symptoms. Resting my knee and taking ibuprofen have not helped much. What can I do to get better? Do I need to get an MRI?

A. There are several possible causes for your progressive knee pain. You are approaching an age group where osteoarthritis is common.

Athletes with osteoarthritis may complain of pain with activity, night pain, swelling and limited knee motion. Stress fractures are micro fractures within the knee caused by overuse. These also can result in worsening pain with activity, aching and swelling.

Avascular Necrosis is a condition where the micro circulation to a bony portion of the knee is compromised, which also can have similar symptoms. I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon for a physical exam and X-rays.

The physician may also recommend an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. Each of these conditions has a different treatment plan and time to recovery for sports.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and Inter Miami. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net