Knee Problem Treatment

This fact sheet contains general information about knee problems. It includes descriptions and a diagram of the different parts of the knee, including bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Individual sections of the fact sheet describe the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of specific types of knee injuries and conditions. Information is also provided on the prevention of knee problems.
Why Women Are at Greater Risk for InjuryDue to both anatomical differences and monthly hormonal fluctuations, women are more likely than men to suffer knee injuries during sports and exercise.

Wider hips create more of a lateral pull on the knee (think “knock-kneed”), which stresses the ligaments.

Also, in activities such as jumping, men absorb a landing better, says Peter J. Millett, M.D., a sports-injury specialist with Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo. Women tend to rely more on their quadricep muscles and land with their knees locked out, which requires the knee to absorb all of the force.

What Causes Knee Problems?

Some knee problems result from wear of parts of the knee, such as occurs in osteoarthritis. Other problems result from injury, such as a blow to the knee or sudden movements that strain the knee beyond its normal range of movement. How Can People Prevent Knee Problems? Some knee problems, such as those resulting from an accident, cannot be foreseen or prevented. However, a person can prevent many knee problems by following these suggestions:A sudden change in direction while running, pivoting or getting hit from the side of the knee can strain or tear the ligament.

• First warm up by walking or riding a stationary bicycle, then do stretches before exercising or participating in sports. Stretching the muscles in the front of the thigh (quadriceps) and back of the thigh (hamstrings) reduces tension on the tendons and relieves pressure on the knee during activity.
• Strengthen the leg muscles by doing specific exercises (for example, by walking up stairs or hills, or by riding a stationary bicycle). A supervised workout with weights is another pathway to strengthening leg muscles that benefit the knee.
• Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise. Increase the force or duration of activity gradually.
• Wear shoes that both fit properly and are in good condition to help maintain balance and leg alignment when walking or running. Knee problems may be caused by flat feet or overpronated feet (feet that roll inward). People can often reduce some these problems by wearing special shoe inserts (orthotics). Maintain appropriate weight to reduce stress on the knee. Obesity increases the risk of degenerative (wearing) conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee. 
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•   A PROTECTIVE KNEE WORKOUTSS
• Try half-squats instead of full squats.
  
• Avoid knee-extension exercises (such as the gym machine where you sit with your knee bent and lift a weight with your shin).
  
• Give up activities such as downhill hiking, and use walking poles to take the pressure off knees.
  
• Instead of running, go biking or swimming. Replace the treadmill with an elliptical trainer or stationary bike.