When can I play football or padel again after a knee bone bruise?

A staged return

• Stage 1: comfortable walking and stairs, full knee movement, no swelling
• Stage 2: cycling, swimming and gym strengthening, including single-leg work
• Stage 3: straight-line jogging on even ground, building time gradually
• Stage 4: hopping, landing and change-of-direction drills
• Stage 5: non-contact training, then full training, then matches

Move up a stage only when the current one causes no pain during or the day after.

Signs you are ready

Most surgeons and physiotherapists look for no pain on hopping on the injured leg, no swelling after running, near-equal strength in both thighs, and confidence when cutting and landing. A physiotherapist can test single-leg hops and strength to make the decision more objective than simply counting weeks.

Specific advice for padel and football

Padel involves quick lunges and sudden stops on a firm court, so reintroduce short sessions of doubles at a gentle pace before competitive matches. Football adds contact, sprinting and pivoting, so return to small-sided games before full matches.

In Qatar, start back in the cooler months or at cooler times of day, as fatigue in the heat reduces control and raises the risk of a new injury. Hydrate well and include a proper warm-up.

When to slow down or get checked in Doha

Step back if the knee aches deeply after training, swells, or pain returns at night. Seek a review if the knee gives way or locks, as that suggests another injury. At Aman Hospital Dr. Gelber reviews your MRI, examines ligaments and menisci, and can work with your physiotherapist on a return plan that fits your sport.