Risk Factors of Knee Injury

orthopedic in Franklin Lakes

The knee is one of the essential joints in the human body. Many everyday activities rely on the movements at the knee joints, including walking, running, and standing. Since your knee has so many functions that support your daily activities, it is a high-risk area. The common reasons for knee pain are related to injury and repeated stress on the knee. Knee injuries would have symptoms including swelling, redness, tenderness, etc. If this sounds like your situation and you are looking for an orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, then the New York Sports Medicine Institute is where you can look for doctoral advice. 

Who is NYSMI?

The New York Sports Medicine Institute, orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, is a full service sports medicine practice with authoritative specialties in Orthopedic Surgery, Physical Therapy, and Concussion Care. NYSMI has always aimed to provide the highest quality of orthopedic and sports medicine services. In addition to treating immediate and chronic problems, NYSMI also tries to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all its treatment plans. NYSMI serves patients three years old and up, with treatment and surgery for orthopedic and sports injuries to help with the pain occurring at shoulder, knee, hip, and other pains, from the mild to the severe. NYSMI’s experienced and licensed physical therapists help you improve your mobility and quality of life. Physical therapy can also be an alternative to surgery and pain medication. The NYSMI team has extensive training in diagnosing and treating conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life, helping you get back in the game.

What Causes Knee Injuries?

Being active is one of the best things for you to keep your overall health. But getting injuries from being active is common, and they often involve the knees. Knee injuries are usually caused by external forces twisting or bending the knee in a manner it is not anatomically designed for. Common causes of knee injuries include twisting mechanisms caused by falls, sports, or accidents. High-force injuries such as those caused by sports-related injuries and motor vehicle accidents can damage multiple parts of the knee anatomy, causing multiple types of knee injuries.

Risk factors of Knee Injury

Overuse, improper training, osteoporosis, and participating in high-impact sports with sudden changes in direction are all risk factors for a knee injury. Knee pain and swelling are the most common signs and symptoms. Here are some risk factors of knee injury:

  • High-impact sports: Running, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, cycling, and etc., could increase the risk of knee pain and injury. 
  • Exercise: Exercises such as high-impact cardiovascular activity or yoga could also cause knee injuries.
  • Overweight: Overweight is a risk factor for knee injuries because it puts more pressure on the lower extremity joints.
  • Lack of muscle flexibility or strength: The lack of muscle flexibility could increase the risk of getting knee injury since your muscles help stabilize and protect your joints and let you move freely.
  • Overuse / Overtraining: Knee injuries can also be caused by improper or insufficient training for a sport or by improperly rehabilitating acute injuries.

Prevention Tips for Knee Injury

Even though you could not prevent all injuries, you could take some steps to make them less likely. Here are some tips for you to help prevent knee injuries:

  • Stretch your muscles and joints after gently moving through the motions of your sport or activity.
  • Make sure you wear appropriate footwear.
  • Do not make sudden, jarring movements.
  • When changing directions, turn on the balls of your feet instead of twisting your knees.
  • Slowly increase your exercise program over time.
  • If you kneel a lot, you should wear knee pads to prevent bursitis.
  • Perform light, easy, and sustained stretches after exercising.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain worsens to the point that it interferes with your everyday activities or sleep. NYSMI, orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, is committed to ensuring that you are able to do what you enjoy doing every day. The orthopedic surgeons of New York Sports Medicine Institute are skilled at diagnosing knee injuries and developing an optimal treatment plan. Physical therapy and onsite X-rays are available for patients. We want to make sure that your life is as fulfilling as it was before your injury and that you may improve your athletic ability as a whole.

NYSMI