Why Injuries to the Knee Can Be Devastating

As I person who originally dislocated their knee several years ago I understand the importance of keeping your knee protected from injuring. I injured my knee while playing basketball. I got turned around defending the basket and landed right on top of my knee. The patella popped out and had to be pushed back into place. This injury sidelined me for months and I recently re-injured the knee.

Knee injuries and common and preventing knee injuries is important for athletes, older adults and anyone with a history of knee problems. Once a knee is originally injured it can continue to cause problems. This can cause frequent pain and rehabilitation sessions. This does not include the inability to perform common tasks and just get around. Many people fail to understand the importance of good health and what it allows them to be able to do.

There are several ligament injuries that are well known. This is because ACL and MCL injuries happen to prominent athletes and take them out of the sport. This has happened to Tiger Woods and Tom Brady. If you want to reduce your chance of an ACL or anterior cruciate ligament injury it is important to increase your flexibility by regularly stretching and strengthening the muscles. The ACL is most commonly injured when you are running and a lot of force is being put on your legs.

Another common knee injury is that of the MCL or the medial collateral ligament. This injury occurs after a sharp blow to the inside of the knee. One way to protect this type of injury would be to wear protective padding to help stabilize the knee. You could consider wearing a knee brace which goes over your knee.

Another type of knee injury is caused to the cartilage. This does not grow back or heal as do ligaments and thus is very important. Cartilage injuries can happen when you do not wear proper shoes while walking or participating in other activities. If the cartilage tears it could in some cases need to be removed. This would involve surgery and then additional recovery and rehab after surgery.

The knee is a very important part of the body. It allows walking and the ability to move up and down stairs to occur. Losing the ability to use your knee can have significant consequences. Thus it is important to wear proper shoes, protective gear, and be careful when playing sports. Females are more likely to have knee injuries and thus should be especially careful. Injuries to the knee or ACL or MCL can cause an athlete to never be able to participate at the same level.