Sports related knee injuries
We are all aware of the benefits of regular exercise on our health but when our bodies are put under repetitive strain from rigorous exercise routines, either in amateur or professional level sport, at some point our bodies are likely to succumb to injury. Equally, accidents happen and a simple trip can lead to any number of injuries. It is important to be able to identify the type of injury occurred as soon as possible as the way in which you handle the body may differ depending on the injury.
Common sports injuries are:
These happen when ligaments (the tissue connecting bone to bone) are stretched beyond their capacity and cause a pull or a tear. Whilst they do heal naturally, they often need the patient to reduce movement and or immobilise. Unfortunately when you have experienced one of these, you are likely to be susceptible to the injury occurring again so it is advisable to wear supportive gear and ensure extensive warming up before the activity whilst using good form throughout exercise.
The ACL (the Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is the one of the main stabilising ligaments found in the knee and it is common injury in the sporting world.
These occur when muscles or tendons are stretched beyond their capacity and cause a pull or a tear. These often heal naturally by themselves and can be avoided by warming up muscles before the main activity begins. Hip Flexor strains (found on the upper front of your thigh bone) are common in competitive and professional sport.
This is where bones actually break and this is often following a collision with another person or the ground. Immobilisation is almost essential for the bone to repair and once regenerated, build up the muscles around the site as they are likely to be weak through the period of inactivity. Sometimes, fractures can require surgery to correct.
Sports with risks of knee injuries
- Basketball
- Rugby
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Running
