Knee Pain: Inability to Fully Bend After Basketball - Orthopedics

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Knee pain, especially after engaging in a physically demanding activity like basketball, can be quite common and may arise from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing pain and limited range of motion in your right knee after an intense game. This could be due to several factors, including muscle strain, ligament injuries, or even inflammation of the knee joint.


Potential Causes of Your Knee Pain
1. Muscle Strain: The muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can become strained from excessive jumping and running. This strain can lead to pain and difficulty bending the knee fully.

2. Ligament Injuries: The knee is stabilized by several ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). If you landed awkwardly or made sudden movements during the game, you could have strained or partially torn one of these ligaments, leading to pain and instability.

3. Patellar Tendonitis: Also known as "jumper's knee," this condition is common among athletes who engage in jumping sports. It involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia), causing pain, especially when bending the knee.

4. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, can occur after intense physical activity. This can lead to pain and swelling, making it difficult to bend the knee.

5. Meniscus Injury: The meniscus is a cartilage structure that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia. Twisting motions during sports can lead to tears in the meniscus, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty bending the knee.


Recommended Actions
1. Rest and Ice: Initially, it's crucial to rest your knee and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

2. Compression and Elevation: Using a compression bandage can help minimize swelling. Elevating your knee while resting can also aid in reducing inflammation.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

4. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the knee. However, avoid any movements that cause pain.

5. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If the pain persists for more than a few days, or if you experience significant swelling, instability, or inability to bear weight on the knee, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an X-ray or MRI, to assess for any structural injuries.


Conclusion
While it’s understandable that you may not want to worry your family, it’s important to prioritize your health. Knee injuries can sometimes lead to long-term issues if not addressed properly. If your symptoms do not improve with rest and self-care measures, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. A healthcare provider can offer a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan to help you recover and return to playing basketball safely. Remember, taking care of your body now can prevent more significant problems in the future.