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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Injuries/Fractures/Cuts > Knee pain
Posted on: 07/23/2010
Question
I play softball on a travel team and in a recent game I went to cover a base but had to turn the opposite direction to get the ball. When I turned my knee gave out and I couldn't move from the pain. My knee is swollen and hurts to walk on. What do I do? If I can't finish the season due to injury then I could lose my scholarship.
Answer
Anytime there is swelling in the knee, it is worrisome for internal damage. Playing on it could cause further damage, some that could be irreversible. You can prevent damage now by resting from sports until the knee has been evaluated by a sports medicine doctor. Possible explanations include: torn ACL ligament, torn meniscus (cartilage) or knee cap dislocation. Sometimes swelling is due to deep bone bruising, but other causes need to be evaluated. Even if the swelling and pain resolve with rest, the knee may not necessarily be normal and should still be checked by a sports doctor before resuming sports, as sometimes the knee will give way again and do additional damage.