Knee slight sensation of giving way and popping

[hopeitsnothing454]

Hi, about 3 months ago i think i overextended my knee while dribbling the ball in a game of basketball. Its not that much of an injury, there was no pop or swelling. I was even able to continue the game. There was pain when it happened, but it quickly subsided. I was able to walk and put weight on it. I played basketball sporadically for the following months and it did not bother me.

Last week I decided to go back to running after a long hiatus. I was able to jog for about 3 km on Monday and Wednesday. But on saturday when I was about to finish a 5 km course, I heard slight popping and felt slight "giving way" sensations in the anterior-middle part of my right knee. The sensation was still there when i got home, but it diminished the following day. 2 days after, thinking that I was ok, I decided to play basketball and the sensations returned. I felt a few during the game, but it did not bother my game much, and I'm active in the basketball court. After the game i felt the sensations while walking, maybe 1 episode after 3-10 steps. The sensations generally subside in frequency after I rest my knee.

Is there anything wrong with me?
What can I do to cure this?

I am male, 24 years old, 6'0 ft and 200 lbs.
Thank you so much and God bless

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Exercise bike, eliptical, swimming (flutter kick, not frog kick) or any other non-impact activity should  be ok as long as it doesn't cause symptoms.  If it reproduces your symptoms, then you have to eliminate it.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Anterior medial would indeed make me more suspicious of either a meniscus tear or an injury to the fat pad, but would not necessarily eliminate the others.

[hopeitsnothing454]

Thank you so much Dr., Have a Merry Christmas.

[hopeitsnothing454]

thank you Dr., my final question is can I get on an excercise bike or swim while waiting for my symptoms to disappear? or should I totally rest my knee? If so, how long till I can ride an exercise bike.? I am sorry I am quite anxious since I love to be active.

Thank you again so much.
God Bless.

[hopeitsnothing454]

Thank you so much Dr. Your answers have really enlightened me. I just want to add that I made a typographical error in my earlier post, I meant to say anterior-"medial" not anterior-"middle" (where I hear pops and feel sensations of giving way). Does this mean anything to you? Furthermore, is there a chance that i sustained a meniscus or ligament tear?

Thank you so much again.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Hyperextension knee injuries can be trcky. Damage can include injury to the patella-femoral joint, sprain of the cruciate ligaments, or a bone bruise of either the tibia or femur.  Essentially it can be just about anything.
From your history, I get a sense that this is an injury to the patella-femoral joint, either the cartilage on the back of the kneecap, or perhaps to the patella tendon.
Since the symptoms seem to get better with rest, I recommend resting for several weeks, not just eliminating running, but basketball as well. If the symptoms abate, then I would begin a course of quadriceps strengthening as you start a gradual return to sport.  If the piain persists, returns, or worsens, you should see a physician for a thorough evaluation.