Experiencing symptoms, such as knee pain or swelling, while exercising can indicate an underlying knee injury. Knee injuries that can occur while exercising include a sprain, meniscus tear and tendinitis. Depending on the severity of your injury, treatment may include wearing a knee brace, taking anti-inflammatory drugs and modifying your exercise program. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Knee Sprain
A knee sprain is when you stretch or tear your knee ligaments, such as your anterior cruciate ligament. Normally these ligaments stabilize your knee, but when they are damaged your knee becomes unstable. Additional symptoms of a knee sprain include knee pain, swelling and decreased range of motion. Twisting your knee while exercising, a sudden stop and falling on your knee can lead to a knee sprain. Weak leg muscles, poor conditioning and knee hypermobility can contribute to a knee sprain, too.
Tendinitis and Bursitis
Just below your kneecap you have your patellar tendon, and underneath your patellar tendon you have a bursa – a sac of fluid. Patellar tendinitis is inflammation and deterioration of your patellar tendon. Pre-patellar bursitis is inflammation of the underlying bursa sac. Repetitive activities like jumping and running can lead to tendinitis. Prolonged kneeling and falling directly on your knee can cause bursitis. Symptoms of tendinitis and bursitis include knee pain, swelling, decreased range of motion and a crackling sensation over your tendon. Exercise is likely to aggravate your symptoms.
Meniscus Tear
Between the bones of your knee joint is cartilage called the meniscus. This meniscus cushions your knee and keeps it moving fluidly. Twisting your knee while exercising is a common cause of a meniscus tear. Risk factors include knee hypermobility, a previous knee injury and weak leg muscles. Knee pain, stiffness and swelling are symptoms you may experience with a meniscus tear. Cracking with knee movement and a “giving-way” feeling are also commonly experienced with a meniscus tear.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the deterioration of the meniscus in your knee. Arthritis can develop with normal wear and tear, but knee injuries, such as a meniscus tear, can accelerate meniscus deterioration. Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, joint stiffness and muscle weakness. You can experience grinding sensations with knee movement and joint instability, too.
Treatment
Stop or modify your exercise program immediately. For example, temporarily avoid weight-bearing exercises, such as squats. Ice your knee two to three times a day in 15 to 20-minute intervals. Wear a compression wrap and elevate your leg and knee to reduce swelling. For residual swelling and pain, take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. Consult your doctor about additional treatment options, such as a knee brace, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy and surgery.
Prevention
To prevent future knee problems, progress slowly with your exercise routine, stretch before and after exercising and include strength exercises for your legs, such as resisted knee extensions. As an additional preventive measure, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends wearing kneepads to cushion your knees while kneeling or in case of direct trauma.
References
- Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic: Knee Sprain; 2011
- “Journal of Athletic Training”; The Meniscus: Review of Basic Principles With Application to Surgery and Rehabilitation; Timothy Brindle, et al.; 2001
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon; Prepatellar Bursitis; July 2007
- “North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy”; Evidence-Based Rehabilitation of Patellar Tendinopathy; Marsha Rutland, P.T., Sc.D, O.C.S, C.O.M.T, C.S.C.S., et al.; September 2010
- “The American Journal of Managed Care; Early Management of Osteoarthritis; Roy Davis Altman, M.D.; March 2010
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