One of the downsides of working out is the potential for injury. Your knees are a complex working joint, and can be damaged due to overuse or incorrect form during your workout. Understanding what types of injuries may occur and how to avoid them can help keep your knees healthy and keep you active.
Types
Knee pain is often the first sign that something is wrong. A torn meniscus, the cartilage that buffers your thigh bone and knee, can occur when you twist or move laterally when the joint is loaded with your weight or more than your weight. An injury to your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, one of the four main ligaments connecting your upper and lower leg, may occur if you change direction suddenly, such as when skiing or playing rugby. Knee bursitis is an inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacks that help buffer the glide of ligaments and tendons in your knee joint. Tendinitis of the patellar tendon is also a common complaint, especially of runners. However, some injuries aren't mechanical, but the result of arthritis or bone degeneration.
Treatment
Many knee injuries can be resolved with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and ice. Others may require physical therapy or surgery. A torn meniscus or ACL injury needs medical intervention, which may be available arthroscopically, where a surgeon uses only small incisions to treat the damaged area. Steroid injections are also a potential treatment, depending on the issue and level of damage. For those with severe injuries, partial or total knee replacement may be the answer.
Avoiding Injury
Pay close attention to your form when working out. When lifting weights, make sure you can see your toes in front of your knees, especially when you complete a squat or a lunge. If your knees extend beyond your toes, you can hyperextend the joint or cause damage to your joint over time. Similarly, when working out running or playing tennis, take time to warm up properly for 10 minutes with movements that mimic what you'll be doing, then stretch before engaging in the activity full-bore.
Considerations
MedlinePlus states that knee issues are among the most common injuries experienced by those who work out or play sports on a regular basis. They recommend stopping immediately if your knees begin to hurt. Rest, ice, elevate and provide compression support with an elastic bandage for a few days. Take pain killers as necessary, and consult your doctor if the pain does not abate.
