Overuse problems of the knee :

I am so frustrated! - - Posted by BigD (BigD), 20 October 2004

Right where to start?
I play basketball on  a proffessional level and 3 seasons ago something happend.
I am a very atheltic and jumping player, and i sprained my ankle and was gone for 4 months.
When i came back after the first practice, BAM both my knees where out.
It hurt SO bad to bend down, to walk in stairs, get out of bed etc, etc.

It got a bit better and i learned to play with it after some rest.
I played the season out, then i rested the whole next season, it helped a bit but not all that much.

Now I am back this season again, with a new team.
I am doing alright averaging 15 poitns a game, but my knees are holding me back, I ahve lost lots of jumping ability and explosiveness.
Its on both knees and somedays its way better then others.

I finally went and got an MRI and they just told me I have inflammed knee caps?
I was a bit relieved that thats all and that there is no wear and tear so to say.

Now, my question is, how the HECK do i treat this?
I mean rest didnt help?
I do have a really hard rehab program with a special physio guy who just does pro basketball players, he says what i have is extremely common.
I do my gym routine 4 days a week, an hour and a half each time.

Its just excersises to strenghten the muscles, its hurts like HELL to do some of them.
Mostly its lifting things quick, then holding back slowly when you lower them.
Also there are some balance exercises.
I am also applying ice after practice as i am told.

Now, what is SO frustrating is that i do not really know what to expect? I have been doing these things now for probably 2 months and i dont really feel better, maybe a tiny bit but not really.

How am I supposed to get rid of this inflammation?
Rest doesnt work really and I dont know what else i can do?
I am only 23 and I dont want to give up basketball, eventhough its hurting when im out on the court.
Can anyone give me some pointers?
The physio guy tells me it is fully treatable but its just takes LOTS of time, especially with my history of bad streching.
He says its definatley jumpers knee.
What do you think?
Any advice is greatly appreciated

I am just a little upset cause i had 2 games last weekend and now 2 days after, my knees are still really sore.
I never had any kneeproblems before.
I am a fairly big guy, 6'6" 220 lbs.
Thank you!

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