Bodybuilding provides several benefits such as a higher metabolism -- due to all that extra muscle mass -- and a leaner, toned body as muscle takes up about half the volume of fat, according to Lee Labrada, author of "The Lean Body Promise." However, while you'll enjoy burning more calories and your sleek physique, you may also be more prone to knee injuries, which can disrupt your training routine and daily life.
Types of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are among the most common problems for bodybuilders along with spinal and shoulder injuries, according to Ben Weitz of Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic. Knee pain during weight lifting is usually related to repetitive strain and injury to the patellofemoral joint or the quadriceps muscles and patellar tendons, explains Weitz. You can also damage your meniscus or cartilage in the knee. Ligaments aren't as prone to injury during bodybuilding, unless you're performing Olympic weight lifting, which includes doing deep-knee squats while hoisting excessively heavy weights.
Osteoarthritis
Strength training is an important part of arthritis treatment, helping to prevent muscle wasting that often accompanies the condition and to reduce symptoms such as inflammation and pain. However, bodybuilding or elite weight lifting can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, which also causes symptoms that include joint stiffness, damage to the joint structures and loss of function.
Prevention
If you're a beginner bodybuilder and you're not sure about proper weight-lifting techniques, consult a fitness trainer. Start with lighter weights at the beginning of your session and then move on to heavier weights, advises FamilyDoctor.org. Avoid doing squats if they begin to cause pain, and keep your knees directly over your toes --- as opposed to turned inward --- when doing squats and lunges, advises Weitz. Also, during leg curls, your knees should be off the bench so that your kneecap does not press into the bench during the exercise.
Caution
Bodybuilders often wear knee wraps during weight training. Although these joint supports help to keep your knee stable, they also cause more friction between the patella and the cartilage below and increase your risk of knee injury, according to Weitz. Seek advice from a sports medicine doctor or physiotherapist before wrapping up.
