Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Most Common Sports-Related Knee Injuries

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.


0 comments:

Post a Comment