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.
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?
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.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries in athletes, especially in sports that involve a lot of pivoting and jumping, like football, soccer, basketball and tennis. Learning to recognize the symptoms associated with ACL injuries is important for making sure medical treatment begins as early as possible, before the injury has a chance to progress.
Meniscus tears are the most common injury in orthopedics. Any physical activity where the knee twists, there is sudden stopping, or a fall, can result in a meniscus tear.
