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What Causes a Knee Injury?

The knee is a joint in your body made up of four bones connected by ligaments. Joints in the body, such as your knees, shoulders and elbows, are prone to injury because of their ability to rotate and twist. The knee is especially vulnerable to damage because it is the largest and heaviest hinge joint in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Causes of knee injuries range from sports-related injuries to disease.

  1. Sports and Exercise

    • Sports-related knee injuries occur when the knee is twisted during a sports activity. Sports, such as tennis and basketball, require sudden stops, twists and turns resulting in injury to the ligaments in the knees. Ice skating can cause knee injury when the skater jumps into the air and lands putting added pressure on the knee joint. Runners damage knees from the constant pressure put on knees as they run, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete. Running on a treadmill provides a cushioning effect on knees and may help reduce damage.

    Disease

    • Diseases, such as arthritis or bursitis, result in injury to the knees. Arthritis slowly eats away at cartilage in the bone resulting in pain in the knee joint. Bursitis occurs when the knee is damaged and inflammation presents itself. The knee becomes stiff and swollen, hampering the bending mechanism.

    Overuse of the Knee

    • Overuse of the knee occurs when you stand, walk or run for long periods of time. The knee joint becomes injured and strained. Muscles in the knee area become inflamed when they are used beyond their normal activities. Tearing of ligaments and muscles may also occur when knee joints are stressed.

    Re-Injury

    • Knee injuries may also occur when you try to do too much after a leg, foot or knee injury and do not give it ample time to heal. You may try and overcompensate with your knee after a leg or foot injury, resulting in damaging the knee. Or you resume an exercise routine too quickly after a knee injury, re-injuring the knee. Take your time when recuperating from an injury, whether it is your leg, foot or knee. This allows a reduction in inflammation and swelling and pain to subside. Start any exercise routine slowly and see how your knee feels as you add more activity.

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