The knee is the largest “hinge” joint in the body. It’s also one of the most important joints for mobility and weight-bearing activities. The role of the knee is obvious in activities like walking, running, standing up, sitting down, and climbing stairs.
When it comes to pain in the leg joints, it seems like the knees get all the attention. But the fact is, unexplained hip pain is a common medical complaint among both women and men, whether you lead an active or sedentary lifestyle.
Historically, ACL injuries are most often associated with male-dominated sports – specifically football, hockey and pro basketball. But as it turns out, statistics tell a different story: Recent studies show female athletes are actually four to six times more likely to have an ACL tear compared to male athletes. The big question is, why?
There was a time not too long ago when hip surgery meant having long incisions made not only through your skin, but through the underlying large muscles as well. And that, in turn, meant a long road to recovery, not to mention significant discomfort during the recovery process.
The cartilage in the knee joint is called articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the material that covers the ends of the bones. It acts as a shock absorber allowing the knee to move smoothly, and prevents the bones from rubbing against one another. Every year in the U.S., more than 6 million people suffer damage to the articular cartilage in their knees. If the damage is not treated, it can lead to arthritis and the need for a knee replacement.
