Knee Pain: Possible Injuries After Basketball Impact

Mild knee pain?

Two weeks ago, I was playing basketball and jumped up to contest a rebound with an opponent.
When I landed, their foot landed heavily on my left Achilles tendon.
Since then, I've been experiencing some unusual sensations in my left knee.
I can walk, but sometimes I feel like my knee is about to dislocate, as if the ligaments are not holding it securely, giving me a feeling of instability.
Could you please tell me what might be the issue?

Ān Dōng Ní, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/14

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It may be a knee sprain, and it's uncertain whether the ligaments inside are affected.
If there is an issue with the ligaments, there could be instability in the anterior-posterior direction (involving the anterior cruciate ligament or posterior cruciate ligament) or in the medial-lateral direction (involving the medial collateral ligament or lateral collateral ligament).
Typically, when ligaments are injured, there will be associated bleeding within the joint, leading to swelling and severe pain, making it difficult to bend the knee and causing impaired mobility.
Mild strains, however, do not usually present with these symptoms.

Reply Date: 2016/03/14

More Info

Knee pain following a basketball injury can be attributed to several potential injuries, particularly when there is a significant impact or trauma involved, such as being stepped on during a jump. Given your description of feeling as though your knee is unstable or on the verge of dislocating, it is crucial to consider the following possible injuries:
1. Ligament Injuries: The most common ligaments that could be affected in such a scenario are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). An ACL injury often results in a feeling of instability or "giving way" in the knee, especially during activities that involve pivoting or jumping. The MCL, located on the inner side of the knee, can also be injured, leading to pain and instability.

2. Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and shin bone. A tear can occur during sudden twisting motions or heavy impacts. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and a sensation of the knee locking or catching.

3. Patellar Instability: If the patella (kneecap) is not tracking properly, it can lead to a feeling of instability. This can happen due to ligament injuries or structural issues within the knee.

4. Tendinitis or Strain: The impact may have caused a strain in the muscles or tendons around the knee, leading to pain and a feeling of weakness.

Given that you are able to walk but experience a sensation of instability, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional, preferably an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician. They may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI to assess for ligament tears, meniscus injuries, or other structural issues.

Treatment Options
1. Rest and Ice: Initially, it is essential to rest the knee and apply ice to reduce swelling and pain. Avoid activities that exacerbate the symptoms.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability, and restore range of motion. They may also provide exercises to enhance proprioception, which is your body's ability to sense movement and position.

3. Bracing: A knee brace may provide additional support and stability, especially during physical activities.

4. Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

5. Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments do not alleviate symptoms and there is a significant injury (such as a complete ligament tear), surgical options may be considered to repair the damaged structures.

Conclusion
In summary, the sensation of your knee feeling unstable after a basketball injury could indicate a ligament injury, meniscus tear, or other knee-related issues. It is crucial to get a comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve your recovery and help you return to basketball and other activities safely. Remember, listening to your body and not pushing through pain is vital for long-term health and recovery.

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