Cycling,
basketball, and football are among the most exciting sports, as with
most sporting activities, are also plagued with many hazards. In a
recent report, the Department of Health & Human Services
estimates that 12 million Americans between 5-22 years old suffer
from sports-related injuries every year. A large portion of these
injuries affect the knee.
Here
are the most common knee injuries sustained in sports:
Patellar
Fracture
The
patella or knee cap is a small bone that protects the knee joint.
Because of its size, the knee cap can be easily get fractured by
traumatic contact, such as bumping into another player or falling
knee-first on the floor. Fractures may be as mild as hairlines or as
grave as shattered bones.
Dislocation
High-intensity
contact sports like football can result to direct blows to the knee.
Once the trauma occurs, the bones connecting the knee and the knee
cap can pop out of alignment. Other pathologies, such as arthritis,
may aggravate the possibility of a knee dislocation.
Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
The
knee is supported by various ligaments and tendons, including the
ACL. When the athlete abruptly changes direction or jumps with
improper form, the ACL tears easily. Strength training on the legs,
plyometric exercises and form correction are recommended to avoid ACL
injuries.
For
any pain or other symptoms that suggests a knee injury, visit your
nearby Riverside sports medicine clinic. A board certified orthopedic
and sports medicine physician determines the proper course of action
to treat your condition.
