1. Knee Pain Is Common in Female Rowers
Patellofemoral knee pain is most common in female rowers. This is because a woman's body shape makes them more likely to develop patellar tracking problems. Patellofemoral knee pain is pain behind the knee, usually after sitting with your knees bent for an extended period of time. When rowing, the knees become aggravated due to the heavy load exerted when the legs are fully extended at the start of rowing. If the fixed shoes are misaligned or slightly twisted, contrary to the rower's anatomy, the patellofemoral knee pain becomes worse. Adjusting the fixed shoes and encouraging better knee position may lessen the pain allowing the athlete to continue rowing.
2. Repetitive Motions Result in Lateral Knee Pain
If you are bowlegged or knock-kneed, you are at greater risk to develop lateral knee pain. A rower's knees become fully compressed when performing the rower's stroke. The repetitive motion of flexing and compressing, results in friction when the iliotibial band passes over the lateral femoral condyle. The friction causes inflammation, resulting in pain in the distal portion of the iliotibial band in the back of the knee. Adjusting the position of the rower's shoes lessens this pain. Stretching and icing the knee after rowing can reduce the inflammation. With proper care, most rowers continue their normal activities.
3. Most Injuries Are Caused by Training
Rowers have to train hard during their off season, which usually results in more knee injuries than rowing alone. A majority of rowers are also runners. Running is very hard on the knees and may result in knee sprains. This happens when the runner makes a sudden sidestep or twists his leg. A knee sprain is a tear, stretch or rupture of one or several ligaments in the knee. If a sprain occurs, the rower must keep weight off the leg and elevate it with an ice pack until he can seek medical attention. Knee sprains usually result in the athlete having knee surgery to correct the injury. After extensive physical therapy, the athlete may be able to return to rowing. Reduce the possibility of spraining your knee by stretching before and after running.
