[Cloud9Fitness]

A differential diagnosis for your symptoms includes infrapatellar bursitis, patellar tendonitis, mild osteoarthritis, and inflammation of the medial/odd facets of the patella and medial retinacular tissue. The last option is more common in young recreational athletes than the previous three. Other structures may be involved, but you did not mentions clicks or instability. The bursitis and tendonitis benefit from rest, scheduled anti-inflammatories monitored by your school physician, and appropriate training technique. Your physician may also entertain steroid shots of bursa sac removal if the pain worsens. The osteoarthritis is a possibility with the history of partial meniscectomy and pain that is worse when the knee is ‘cold’. This will have to be treated with anti inflammatories and proper knee mechanics (discussed next).

The inflammation of the facets of the patella and retinacular tissue is related to mal-tracking of the knee-cap during gait or jumping. This may occur if you have excessive inward collapse of your knees (knock-knee) when you land from a jump/run or if you have a relatively tight iliotibial band. To improve the risk of inward knee collapse (knee going inward beyond the big toe) you can strengthen your hip ABductors with lateral walking using a theraband for resistance. I would avoid seated ABduction machines. Collapse of the knee is also influenced by movement of the tibia and foot. Flat feet when you jump may be problematic. Simple orthotics can artificially attenuate this from occurring (Be aware that orthotics do not work for everyone. Some people find them uncomfortable. Since they artificially improve things, I suggest disposing of them if you find them causing foot pain). Iliotibial band stretches can be performed in conjunction with iliotibial band foam rolling to improve that possible cause. Work with your school’s physicians and athletic trainers for a full assessment and training tips.