Knee Pain: Risk Factors, Care and Why It's More Common in Female Athletes!

A.J. Zelinski, DC ART

Advanced Rehabilitation Director

Getting ready for Mother's Day, it is appropriate to discuss knee pain, as it is very common in female athletes. Women tend to be more prone than men with regards to knee pain and injuries. This is due to a difference in structure and the biomechanical relationship between the hips, knees and feet.

Knees are complex, weight-bearing joints (junctions between two bones) that provide your body with flexibility, support and a wide range of motion. Knees can be injured from trauma, arthritis or everyday stress and strain. Knee pain is therefore a common complaint. Depending on the type and severity of joint damage, knee pain can be minor or can lead to sever discomfort and disability. There are a number of common causes for knee pain, and it is important to have an accurate diagnosis of the cause so that appropriate treatment can be undertaken.

Risk Factors:..

• Overuse - can lead to muscle fatigue and excessive loading stresses across the joint. this causes an inflammatory response (increased blood flow and cell response) that damages tissues.
• Age, athletic activities, previous injuries
• Instability - tight or weak muscles offer less joint support.
• Mechanical problems - structural abnormalities, such as having one leg shorter than the other, abnormal alignment of the bones or flat feet can increase risk of knee problems.

Initial Care Guidelines:

• Rest - minor injuries may require only a day or two of rest but sever damage is likely to need a longer recovery time.
• Protection - a sleeve or brace to provide added joint stability and restrict range of motion.
• Ice - reduces pain and inflammation.
• Elevation of limb.
• Compression- a wrap around the knee prevents edema (fluid buildup within the joint).
• Medications - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, napoxen, or ibuprofen

When to seek medical advice:

• Difficulty bearing weight on the knee
• Swelling of the knee
• Obvious deformity in the leg or knee
• Sever or persisting pain
• Locking - inability to bend or straighten the knee joint
• Infection - typically indicated by fever and a knee joint that is red, painful and swollen.