Last couple of days I've been playing basketball after 6-8 months of sports inactivity. My left knee which I jump off of feels and looks swollen (no pain) and I can't bend it without feeling a tight feeling. Didn't get injured on the court but I also didn't stretch at all. All this playoff action making me want pick up basketball again, should I rest for a week or play it out?

 

This thread is worthless without pics! Actually, no, I take it back.

Good luck to ya!

 

If there's no pain, I'd probably just take some ibuprofen to help w/ inflammation and do some heat/ice cycles to bring the swelling down. I'd also probably rest it a few days.

That's just what I'd do... and I'm not professionally trained in any sort of medicine or sports therapy.

 

see a doctor

 

I think the real question is, should you go to the doctor/orthopedist?

The answer is yes. While you may feel you may have not damaged anything, there is a possibility that you may indeed have done something to your knee joint that requires attention, and delaying so, could make it worse long term.

 

If you haven't played for 6-8 months I'm pretty sure you didn't run that hard. I'd say Ice it, but that's probably too late. Just elevate your knee with a pillow and rest and see what happens in a few days. The doctor will probably tell you the same thing anyway and they will still charge you for it.

 

See your physician. From your description, sounds like fluid, but what do I know.

 

I'll trade you my mysterious headaches for your swollen knee.

 

It's not normal which means it's abnormal. Could be a ligamentous injury. See a physician if it continues, is painful, if your knee is unstable etc.

 

Most are saying wait and see which I will probably do, mostly swelling with limited movement. No pain, inflammation, soreness, etc. yet.