8 Most Common Knee Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Your knees are prone to injuries. They undergo constant wear and tear every time you move and bear a good portion of your weight. Knee injuries can range from minor sprains to a complete tear.

In this blog, we’re going to talk about the 8 most common knee injuries and how to prevent them.

8 Most Common Knee Injuries

1. Fractures

Since the kneecap shields and protects your knee joint, it is prone to fracture during high-impact accidents such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury. A broken kneecap is a serious injury and requires immediate attention. Some fractures can be treated by wearing a cast or splint while more severe fractures require surgery.

Although most knee fractures are caused by accidents, you can still prevent injuries by staying healthy, not wearing ill-fitter shoes, warming up, and using knee protection.

2. Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar Tendonitis commonly known as jumper’s knee is an injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone. This condition is caused by overuse of your knee joint and is usually a sports-related injury.

Minimize the risk of developing patellar tendonitis by strengthening your leg and hip muscles and doing regular stretching.

3. Dislocations

Knee dislocations occur when the position of the three bones of your knee is out of place. These can happen as a result of high-impact traumas during contact sports, car crashes, or high-speed impact. And the best way to reduce your risk is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries are often due to sports (contact and non-contact) and a more active lifestyle. ACL injuries are more common among female athletes than male athletes and people aged 15 to 45.

There are several things that you can do to reduce the risk of experiencing ACL. Focusing on balance, implementing strength training, and warming up before any intense activity to name a few.

5. Bursitis

Bursae are important fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between adjacent moving structures. But due to overuse or extensive kneeling these sacs can swell and become inflamed.

You can reduce your risk of developing bursitis by using kneeling pads, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight.

6. Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries. These often happen during sports especially when you aggressively change direction or suddenly stop and turn.

You should see a doctor if your knee is swollen or painful. Depending on the severity of the tear, the doctor may recommend surgery.

To protect your meniscus, stay flexible and keep your bones healthy.

7. Collateral Ligament Injuries

The collateral ligament connects the femur to the fibula and helps keep your knee stable. Collateral ligament injuries usually happen when your knee is forced sideways. Pain, swelling, and instability are the common symptoms of CLI. Common treatments are icing, bracing, and physical therapy.

To save yourself from this injury, make sure that the muscles around your knees are strong and flexible.

8. Iliotibial Band Syndrome

This type of knee injury is common among long-distance runners. It is an overuse injury of the connective tissues located on your outer thigh and knee. Common treatments are rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), pain medications, and physical therapy.

Prevention includes running with shorter strides, maintaining flexible and strong muscles, and stretching your hip and thigh muscles, and hamstrings often.

Your knees are one of the most important joints in your body and should not be taken for granted.

Take care of your knees and continue living a happy, pain-free life.

Although the information is gathered with great care, please note that the tips given on this website by no means substitute medical advice. If you’re experiencing any pain, consult your healthcare professional immediately and follow his advice regardless of what you’ve learned on this website.