How to Prevent Knee Injuries: Essential Tips for Active Individuals

Our knees are complex joints with many components. They provide the flexibility, strength, and stability needed to move while also supporting the weight of our bodies. Knee pain and injuries are common, especially in active individuals. They can impact patients of all ages, making it difficult to walk, get up from a chair, play sports, and more. Here’s what you need to know about common knee injuries and how you can take steps to prevent them:

Common Knee Injuries

Knee pain is commonly caused by injuries from sports, physical labor, and other activities. Some of the most common types of knee injuries include:

• ACL tears: A tear or injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, which is comprised of strong bands of tissue connecting your tibia to your femur.
• Meniscus tears: An injury that largely occurs when you rotate or twist your knee sharply when the joint is under strain.
• Baker’s cyst: A type of cyst that can appear behind the knee. It’s filled with a semisolid substance (called synovial fluid) or a liquid that can cause pain if left untreated.
• Bursitis: An injury that occurs when the bursa, small, fluid-filled sacs that help with movement and cushion the bones from tendons, nerves, and muscles, become inflamed.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome: An injury that results in pain around your patella, or kneecap, sometimes called runner’s knee.

Preventing Knee Injuries

Not all knee injuries are preventable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury, including:

• Thoroughly warming up your body before physical activity
• Wearing appropriate footwear
• Turning on the balls of your feet when changing direction rather than twisting your knees
• Stretching after physical activity
• Building up an exercise routine slowly over time
• Maintaining proper posture
• Wearing knee pads during activities like biking or rollerblading, where falls happen frequently
• Avoiding doing an excessive number of squats
• Maintaining a constant and healthy weight to lessen pressure on your knees

Get Top-Tier Orthopedic Treatment for Knee Injuries

Swift medical attention for any knee injury increases the chances of a full recovery. Treatment options depend on your specific injury and its severity. At The Orthopedic Health Center, our top-rated team prioritizes one-on-one patient care and comprehensive treatment options for conditions affecting the bones and joints, including the knees. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment in Hoboken, Jersey City, or Bayonne.