SWOLLEN, PAINFUL KNEES? 8 COMMON SPORTS INJURIES YOU SHOULDN’T OVERLOOK

This article is medically reviewed by MSc, MD, Level I Specialist Nguyen Van Hoang Tam – Specialist in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, and Musculoskeletal Health at CarePlus International Clinics. 

⛔ A fleeting knee pain after jogging, playing football, or hiking might seem like “normal post-exercise soreness” — but it could be your body warning you of a developing injury beneath the surface. 

The knee is a complex joint that plays a central role in virtually all movements — and is highly susceptible to injury if overused, misaligned, or improperly protected. 

💢 Swelling and pain in the knee is not always just fatigue from exercise. For sports enthusiasts, it can be an early warning sign of potentially serious injuries — ones that could worsen significantly without timely diagnosis and treatment. 

⚡ Many people tend to ignore mild knee discomfort — only to discover later that ligaments, tendons, or cartilage have been torn. By then, it’s not just about temporarily halting your training — but possibly the end of your athletic journey altogether. 

Below are eight common sports injuries that often lead to knee swelling and pain — and should not be taken lightly: 

1️⃣ Runner's Knee 

This condition causes a dull ache around or just beneath the kneecap (patella), and is common in runners, cyclists, and long-distance walkers. The pain tends to worsen with stair climbing, squatting, or prolonged standing. 

2️⃣ Peripatellar tendinitis 

Tendons bear significant loads during high-impact activities such as running and jumping, and are prone to inflammation due to overuse or poor technique. Common types include: 

• Patellar tendonitis: Caused by repeated jumping; common in volleyball and basketball players. 

• Quadriceps tendonitis: Triggered by forceful kicking or explosive jumping. 

• Hamstring and gracilis tendonitis: Often seen in runners, especially when running uphill or skipping warm-ups. 

3️⃣ Peripatellar bursitis 

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction within joints. They can become inflamed due to trauma, prolonged pressure, or improper movement patterns: 

• Prepatellar bursitis: Often caused by frequent kneeling. 

• Infrapatellar bursitis: Linked to poor jumping or landing technique. 

• Pes anserine bursitis: Common among cyclists, runners, and athletes involved in lower-limb intensive sports. 

4️⃣ Patellar dislocation 

Occurs when the patella slips out of its groove on the femur, often due to a sudden twist or direct trauma. This causes pronounced swelling, joint deformity, and impaired ability to extend the knee. 

5️⃣ Ligament Tears 

Most notably Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears — frequently seen in sports like football, basketball, and skiing. These injuries result from abrupt changes in direction or landing incorrectly. 

6️⃣ Torn Meniscus 

The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer for the knee joint. Sudden twisting motions or abrupt directional changes can tear the meniscus, often in conjunction with ligament sprains or damage. 

7️⃣ Tendon Tears 

These occur when tendons are subjected to excessive force — such as during jumping, poor landing, or incorrect training techniques. Tendon ruptures are more common in middle-aged individuals engaging in intense sports. 

8️⃣ Periarticular fracture of the knee 

Fractures may affect the patella, femoral condyles, or tibial plateau. They usually result from high-impact collisions, falls, or sports accidents. Additionally, stress fractures — caused by prolonged overtraining — can occur, particularly in runners and high-intensity athletes. 

👉 Don’t let untreated injuries end your athletic journey. 

If you notice persistent swelling or pain in your knee, visit CarePlus to receive thorough examination and personalized care from our experienced team of Orthopedic, Sports Medicine, and Musculoskeletal specialists. 

✅ CarePlus is proud to be a pioneering medical provider in Ho Chi Minh City, equipped with cutting-edge imaging diagnostic systems integrated with AI technology — delivering fast imaging, accurate results, high-resolution visuals, and a comfortable screening experience for every customer. 

👉 Please call our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment today! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group