If you exercise regularly, you may wind up with knee problems. Though the causes of knee problems vary, you can rest assured that you'll need to take time off and make an effort to improve your form it you want to fix the problem and get back to exercising. Consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of your knee problems before trying any treatments.
Causes
In many cases, knee problems are caused by injuries incurred during exercise. These injuries can damage the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones of your knees. Impact from exercises like running can cause bursitis and tendinitis, while switching directions quickly as you do in tennis can lead to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The primary problem associated with these injuries is pain.
Signs
Knee problems caused or worsened by exercise can show up in a variety of ways. You may experience pain, redness or swelling in the joint or it might feel stiff, lock up or feel unstable. In some cases, knee problems can cause your knees to pop or crunch when you move or form a bump or growth beneath the skin.
Prevention
When exercising, it's important to keep your knee problems in mind to prevent an injury or a reinjury to the same location. Stretching and warming up prior to your workouts can help loosen your joints and prevent impact-related injuries. Always use proper form when exercising, and wear shoes that fit you well and offer correct arch support. Wear a knee brace if need be to offer your leg adequate support. If your knee problems are severe, stick to low-impact exercises to prevent aggravating them.
Treatment
In most cases, knee problems of all varieties can be treated at home with rest and occasional icing. This will reducing swelling and relieve pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be taken to reduce inflammation. However, if resting and icing the problem area doesn't help, you will need to contact your doctor to diagnose your knee problem and provide additional treatment options, which can include compression or surgery.
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