Knee pain is not uncommon if you exercise regularly or participate in sports. The knee is an unusual type of joint because it connects to bones on two sides, making it more prone to injury, particularly with repetitive movements such as bending or jumping. Common types of knee exercise injuries affect tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
Symptoms
Knee pain may be accompanied by a tugging sensation in or around your knee, redness and swelling. Bending the knee, walking or climbing stairs may worsen the pain. It may be difficult to put any weight on the knee, and the joint may make a grinding of clicking noise when you walk. If a severe injury occurs, you may hear a sudden popping sound, may be unable to move the knee and may experience significant pain. Ignoring mild knee pain is never a good idea because continuing to exercise despite the pain can lead to a more severe injury.
Ligament Injuries
Injuries can occur to the ligaments, the strong cords that connect one bone to another. Exercise and athletic knee injuries commonly occur in the anterior cruciate ligament, the medial collateral ligament or the posterior cruciate ligament. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries can occur when you land a jump, slow down during a run or make a quick change in direction, while injuries to the medial collateral ligament occur due to a direct blow to the outer part of the knee. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that anterior cruciate ligament injuries can occur in people who participate in basketball, skiing and football. Medial collateral ligament injuries may affect soccer or football players or other people who participate in contact sports. Posterior cruciate ligament injuries occur when you misstep or are hit directly on the knee.
Patellar Tendinitis
Tendons are fibrous cords that connect your leg muscles to your knee. Spending too much time doing exercises that stress the knee can cause tendinitis, a condition that occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed, irritated and swollen. Patellar tendinitis, also called jumper's knee, is a type of exercise that affects the knee joint. Jumper's knee can occur if you repeatedly jump, land or change direction while exercising. Resting the knee, applying ice and wearing a knee strap to support the knee can help reduce pain and stress on the tendon. Strengthening exercises or physical therapy can also help the problem by building weight-bearing muscles in the thigh and calf. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.
Cartilage Injuries
Cartilage under the knee helps absorb shocks to the joint, but can be injured due to overuse, knee misalignment, injury or muscle weakness. Chondromalacia occurs when the cartilage softens, causing a dull pain in the front of the kneecap. Chondromalacia usually improves with rest and applications of ice and physical therapy, although surgery may be needed in some cases. Twisting your leg when you exercise can cause tears to the meniscus, a small piece of cartilage that pads the area between the shin and thigh bones. Rest, ice, physical therapy and electrical stimulation can help heal meniscus tears. Your doctor may recommend surgery if the tear is large.
