Have knee pain from jumping while playing basketball? Here’s what to do

Q. I am a 20-year-old, high-level recreational basketball player who has had pain in the front of my left knee for six months. Initially, my knee only hurt after I played. Now the pain has progressed to where it hurts during play and is even worse about an hour after finishing. I tried not playing for two weeks, but the symptoms returned as soon as I played again. What do you think is wrong, what type of doctor do I need to see, and how quickly do you think it will take to get better?

A. A very common injury in basketball is a condition known as “jumper’s knee.”

The quadriceps are four large thigh muscles that form two tendons that attach on either side of the kneecap. The more commonly injured patellar tendon attaches on the lower part of the kneecap. When walking, this tendon withstands three times your body weight and when jumping, up to seven times your body weight.

There is a lot of force on this tendon literally millions of cycles a year. When overstressed, the tendon can become inflamed, resulting in pain, stiffness and weakness. I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon to examine your knee and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. At physical therapy you would receive treatment to decrease inflammation, learn how to do pain-free, quad-strengthening exercises, and exercises to improve flexibility. Most patients improve quickly with this regimen.

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