Your knee likely hurts every time you play basketball due to a condition like patellar tendonitis, an overuse injury common among basketball players.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
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What it is: Patellar tendonitis is a chronic injury affecting the patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia).
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Why basketball? As stated in the provided reference, patellar tendonitis "is commonly found in people who play basketball or volleyball" because it's caused by "chronic, repetitive jumping and excessive exertion of the knees." Basketball involves a lot of these movements.
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Mechanism: Repetitive jumping and landing create stress on the patellar tendon. Over time, this can lead to:
- Inflammation
- Micro-tears in the tendon
- Pain
Other Possible Causes
While patellar tendonitis is a likely culprit, other conditions could also be responsible for knee pain during basketball. These include, but are not limited to:
- Meniscus Tears: Sudden twists or forceful impacts can tear the cartilage (meniscus) in your knee.
- Ligament Sprains/Tears: The ligaments that stabilize your knee (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL) can be injured from sudden changes in direction or direct blows.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Common in adolescent athletes, this condition involves pain and swelling at the tibial tuberosity (the bony bump below the kneecap).
- Chondromalacia Patella: Damage to the cartilage under the kneecap.
What to Do
- Rest: Stop playing basketball until the pain subsides.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Compression: Use a knee brace or compressive bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your leg elevated to further reduce swelling.
- See a Doctor: If the pain persists or is severe, consult a doctor or physical therapist for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can rule out other conditions and create a rehabilitation plan.
