Exercise has many health benefits, including weight control, disease prevention and an overall increase in well-being. However, with exercise comes the risk of injury to your bones, muscles and ligaments. One of the most common types of pains and injuries seen as the result of exercise is knee conditions. The knee is a large joint that takes much stress as you run, walk, jump and exercise.
Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis -- or tendinitis of the knee -- is a common exercise-related cause of knee pain. Tendinitis is an inflammation, swelling and irritation of the tendons in your knee joint. Patellar tendinitis is frequently referred to as an overuse injury which occurs as the result of exercising too much. Tendinitis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in your knee. This pain often subsides with rest, and becomes worse as you walk or participate in exercise.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of the knee joint which causes pain, swelling, limited movement and stiffness. If you have already been diagnosed with arthritis, it may flare up as you participate in exercise. Exercise may also lead to wear and tear on your knee joint which can lead to a diagnosis of arthritis. Arthritis is a breakdown in the cartilage of your knee. The cartilage in your knee allows for smooth movements and shock absorption as you walk or engage in exercise. As your cartilage wears, your bones rub together as you exercise.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a swelling in the front portion of your knee near your lower leg bone. This condition is commonly seen in young participants in exercise and sports, ranging in age from 10 to 15. The main symptom is swelling at the bottom portion of the knee. Pain normally increase with participation in exercise, and you may feel pressure on the knee. The swelling can range from mild to severe. This condition commonly affects more boys than girls, and can affect one or both knees.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries are common knee injuries that can occur as the result of improper exercise mechanics or moving your knee outside its normal range of motion. Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, often occurs as you rapidly change directions, slow down from a jump or land awkwardly from a jump. This ligament is located on the outside of your knee. Injury can also occur to the medial collateral ligament, or MCL, located at the front of your knee. Injury to the MCL occurs as the result of a fall or direct blow to the knee. The posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, is located in the back of your knee, and is often injured as the result of a blow to the knee or stepping wrong during exercise.
