Knee sports injuries
Most sports injuries
are the result of muscles that are out of condition. Over 600 muscles
drape the human body its characteristic form. They enable us to walk down
the street, dodge an obstacle, and to stop over, pick something up, and
stand upright again. The muscles that we are most aware of are called
skeletal or striated muscles, the ones that are under the skin and that
we can consciously flex and relax. They are connected to our bones by
tough tissue called tendons.
An inflammation or irritation of a tendon often caused by overuse is
called tendonitis. In the knee, this is sometimes called "jumper's knee".
Tendonitis is often identified due to tenderness at the point where the
patellar tendon meets the bone, just below the kneecap. Impacts and sudden
movements (such as trying to break a fall) can force the quadriceps
muscles to contract forcefully and cause the quadriceps tendon to be
strained or possible tear (rupture).
Knee injuries due to sports often occur because of a sharp blow to the
knee or a fall. They could also be caused by the stress of repeated
activities, such as those during practice or games; sudden, abrupt turning,
pivoting, stopping or twisting from side to side; jumping or if the
athlete's bones are growing still. Some of the more common sports injuries
are sprains, strains, tendinitis, menisci tears, fractures and dislocations,
cartilage injuries, chondromalacia. Common sign and symptoms for knee
sports injuries are: pain, swelling, stiffness, tightness, weakness,
instability, locking.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries of the knee are very common
sports-related injuries. The MCL is the most commonly injured knee
ligament. Injuries to the MCL occur in almost all sports and in all age
groups.
A knee support like brace, band or wrap can prevent sport injuries as
well as protect from further injuries while still permitting continued
activity.
