I just started gymnastics about a month ago...Before I was in gymnastics I used to always love to play outside and play neighborhood games. I hurt my knee one time while playing softball and I'm not sure if it ever recovered to 100%. But now that I'm in gymnastics, my knee has been slowing getting worse. So basically my question is: Is it ok to wear a brace while practicing? I'm not sure if my coach will get mad at me or not. But lately it has been affecting my performance and I can only perform at about 75% of my level unless I stop to take a break for 20/30 minutes because of my knee. Thanks, Vanessa

Hi Vanessa, Welcome! Ask your doctor about your knee - wearing a brace for support can help, but you should get your doctor (pediatrician, or orthopedist if you have one already) to check it out and also advise. Your coach shouldn't mind if it is at the advice of your doctor. Your doctor might also give you advice on exercises to do to strengthen/stretch out your knee. What gymnastics level are you in? What gymnastics skills hurt your knee? (you should also tell your doctor when it hurts). Massage and icing it also good when something hurts. But do ask your doctor about it and have them check it out for you. How did you hurt your knee in softball?

Hey, sorry it has been a while, I've decided to give you a check up on what has been happening. The doctor says he isn't sure what is wrong. It's been a few months with nagging pain and I've gotten an MRI. It was negative for any injury. He suggests I don't go on with gymnastics anymore but I can't just do that. I've been attending practices, but only doing minimal work. It has seemingly gotten worse. What happened was when I was playing softball, I was sliding to 3rd base and my knee flew under me and I felt a slight pop. It didn't really hurt that day, but the day after I was in a lot of pain. Also, my level of activity has been going down. As I said, back when I made this post, my performance was at 75, it feels like it is decreasing as I go and my knee wants to give out some time soon. Thanks

You could try some exercises to strengthen/stretch out your knee - your orthopedist probably mentioned that, or referred you to do PT? Like ankle weights on, and sitting down on a chair or something like that, bend and straighten your legs. Leg kicks with ankle weights are good too. And do stretches for your legs...gymnastics is a lot like PT, especially the warm ups/conditioning. Maybe take a week or month off of gymnastics skills, but keep on stretching/conditioning. Your doctor said to just take a break from gymnastics skills, right?